A WIRRAL-based cancer charity has a clear message for people living with the disease: "we are here to help during lockdown".

Maggie's Merseyside - at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre - is welcoming anyone with a cancer diagnosis, or their family and friends, in a way which adheres to all local and Government guidelines.

Support by professional staff is available face to face in the centre or by phone, email or online to help people with stress, fear and anxiety as well as money worries and questions about cancer treatment.

Visitors are asked to call ahead for an appointment while social distancing, hygiene and safety measures will be in line with Government guidelines, though if you are visiting the hospital anyway, please do just pop in.

Maggie's Merseyside centre head Kathy Wright said: "We know people with cancer need Maggie's now more than ever.

"Cancer is possibly the hardest experience of a person’s life, yet coronavirus and restrictions have made living with cancer even more difficult.

"If you or anyone one you know need to chat please don’t hesitate to contact us."

The centre has been supporting people with cancer throughout the coronavirus crisis over the phone, email and through its online community.

This support helped people 60,000 times during full lockdown.

Visitors such as Graham who made an appointment to meet with one of Maggie’s professional team.

He said: "I had hoped we were getting back to some sense of normality, but I feel stressed and anxious again.

"I am worried about going out, but at Maggie's I feel completely safe and I don't know how I would cope with being able to go there and speak to the cancer support specialist.

"It is like a bubble away from the world and I always leave feeling stronger and more hopeful."

Since Maggie's opened their first centre in 1996, the charity has developed a programme of support that is proven to help people with cancer and their loved ones take back control.

Maggie's Merseyside relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to be able to offer this high quality, professional support.

This Friday it is launching our Online Silent Auction, with prizes including signed Football memorabilia from the champions Liverpool FC players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bruno Fernandes, to an evening with world renowned chefs Raymond Blanc and Michael Roux. As well as an overnight stay at Trump Turnberry with two rounds of golf for four people.

There's something for everyone including a Christmas Hamper containing £200 Sainsburys Vouchers, £10 Tesco Voucher, £20 Butchers Voucher, Prosecco, Mulled Wine and plenty of Christmas Treats.

You can help by bidding online at https://www.bidonit.net/auctions/auc634maggies/

To find out more about Maggie's Merseyside, call 0151 334 4301 or email liverpool@maggiescentres.org