Maggie's cancer centre shut after sick thieves pinch lead from roof

Oct 14 2010 By Lauren Crooks

Maggie's cancer centre

HEARTLESS thieves who stole lead from the roof of a cancer centre in Glasgow forced it to close temporarily - after it was flooded by rainwater.

Staff arrived at the Maggie's cancer caring centre last Wednesday to find furniture, carpets and walls were soaked.

The building's electrics were also ruined because of the water damage.

Matters could have been even worse if a workman at Glasgow University hadn't noticed the state of the roof and reported it to police.

But despite the university's estates department fitting a temporary repair to the property, the centre was closed for five days and only reopened on Monday.

Gillian Hailstones, head of the centre, said: "We are saddened that this has resulted in us having to close our doors and not being able to deliver our programme of support to people affected by cancer.

"Approximately 30 to 40 people a day visit the centre to receive vital emotional and practical support. We had to work very hard to get the doors open as soon as possible for those people.

"We are delighted by the kindness from our neighbours at the University of Glasgow, who stepped in during our absence to avert further damage.

"We are optimistic that we will be covered by insurance."

The building was opened in 2002 and stands at the entrance to the University of Glasgow, beside Kelvingrove Park and the Western Infirmary.

The converted gatehouse is home to a support programme for cancer sufferers across Glasgow and the surrounding areas.

Caroline Miller, Maggie's Glasgow community fundraiser, said: "It costs approximately s350,000 a year to run our centre.

"The community support for Maggie's Glasgow is very strong with people from all walks of life greatly valuing the impact that our centre has on the region's cancer population."

Maggie's Glasgow helps around 12,000 visitors a year.

A second Maggie's Centre in Glasgow is being developed next to the Beatson Oncology Unit,near the city's Gartnavel Hospital.