Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the United Kingdom's most prominent and respected charitable organizations, providing critical support to individuals affected by cancer. Founded in 1911, the charity has evolved from a small network of volunteer nurses into a nationwide institution that delivers comprehensive care, guidance, and advocacy for people living with cancer and their families.
Core Mission and Services
Macmillan Cancer Support’s mission is to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can. This is achieved through a wide spectrum of services including:
-
Cancer Information and Support:
- Helpline staffed by specialists
- Online community forums
- Print and digital educational resources
-
Practical and Financial Assistance:
- Macmillan Grants (over £24.8 million issued in 2022)
- Energy cost support
- Welfare benefits advice and application assistance
-
Emotional Support and Counseling:
- Telephone, online, and in-person counseling sessions
- Peer support programs
- Bereavement support services
-
Healthcare Support Roles:
- Over 5,000 Macmillan healthcare professionals including nurses, doctors, and physiotherapists funded or trained by Macmillan
Fundraising and Community Engagement
Macmillan runs some of the UK’s largest and most successful community fundraising campaigns:
- World’s Biggest Coffee Morning: Raised over £11.9 million in 2023
- Brave the Shave: Thousands of participants raising individual donations
- Macmillan Challenge Events: Sponsored walks, runs, marathons, and international treks
The organization relies heavily on donations and volunteer engagement, with over 20,000 volunteers supporting their operations and outreach.
Financial Overview
According to their 2022 Annual Report:
- Total income: £226.7 million
- Total charitable expenditure: £201.6 million
- 74% spent directly on services supporting people affected by cancer
- Macmillan Grants issued: Over 54,000 individuals supported
- Fundraising efficiency: For every £1 spent on fundraising, £3.70 is raised
Their income sources include legacy donations, individual giving, corporate partnerships, community fundraising, and trading activities.
Operational Footprint
Macmillan's support network spans across the UK:
- 4,500+ Macmillan nurses and health professionals active in NHS hospitals and community settings
- 150+ Macmillan Information and Support Centres embedded in hospitals and public spaces
- Digital platforms providing 24/7 cancer information and a supportive online community with over 100,000 active users
Key Partnerships
Macmillan works closely with:
- National Health Service (NHS)
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- Energy companies and financial institutions to facilitate cost of living and debt management support
- Corporate partners like M&S, Boots, and Worldpay to drive donation initiatives and co-branded events
Impact and Recognition
Macmillan’s measurable impact in 2022:
- Reached over 2.5 million people living with cancer across the UK
- 98% of service users reported increased confidence in managing their health
- Provided financial aid to more than 54,000 people
- Supported over 1.9 million visitors via the Macmillan Support Line and webchat services
Macmillan is consistently rated as one of the most trusted charities in the UK, ranking high in charity brand indexes and public satisfaction surveys.
Certifications and Governance
- Registered Charity in England and Wales (No. 261017), Scotland (SC039907), and the Isle of Man (604)
- Governed by a board of trustees and subject to oversight by the UK Charity Commission
- Annual financials and impact reports independently audited and publicly disclosed
Testimonials
“Macmillan made the darkest period of my life more manageable. From the financial grant to a nurse who truly cared—I’ll never forget their support.”
— Patient, Manchester
“The online forums gave me a voice and a community. I didn’t feel alone after my diagnosis.”
— Carer, Glasgow
Major Achievements
- Over 110 years of service to cancer patients and families in the UK
- First UK charity to introduce specialist cancer nursing roles (1975)
- Pioneered integrated care models with NHS Trusts and local governments
- Successfully adapted all support channels for remote access during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Launched the Macmillan Get Involved Network to empower grassroots community fundraising
Macmillan Cancer Support continues to lead with compassion, evidence-based practices, and an unrelenting focus on improving the lives of those affected by cancer throughout the United Kingdom.
