A WIRRAL cancer support charity has had a £5,000 donation from a foundation that was set up by the founders of confectionery firm Cadbury.

Maggie’s Wirral, which provides free-of-charge support and information to people with cancer, has been awarded the generous grant from The Cadbury Foundation, as part of its ‘Your Charity Your Choice’ initiative.

Maggie's was one of 11 charities across the UK to receive a significant sum. Based in Bebington, it provides high quality support to people living with cancer at their most vulnerable time, in a warm and welcoming environment. It provides a range of services, including psychological support, financial guidance, nutritional advice and physical exercise sessions.

The charity will use the large donation towards continuing to offer its free-of-charge, wide range of vital specialist services for cancer patients and their families.

Jemma Falloon nominated Maggie’s Wirral, following the support she received during her cancer diagnosis.

Commenting on the £5,000 donation, Jemma, said: “Maggie’s Wirral has supported myself during my cancer diagnosis, but most importantly, they have supported my husband and my children when they have needed support too.

"The centre is a safe place for my husband to go when I have scans and provides him with somewhere to go express his emotions, without the fear of worrying me.

"Maggie’s is truly our family's safe place, and I am extremely grateful to my colleagues at Mondelēz International for making this substantial donation possible.”

Katy Wright, centre head at Maggie’s Wirral, said: "This incredibly generous donation will allow us to support local people and ensure that nobody faces cancer alone. We’re extremely thankful to The Cadbury Foundation for their significant contribution.

"The grant will make a real difference and ensure we can continue to support local people facing cancer and their loved ones, who we support both during and after their treatment period."

The Cadbury Foundation was set up in 1935 in recognition of Richard and George Cadbury and their investment in the welfare of their employees and the local community and to continue their work.

Cadbury has been owned by Mondelez International (originally Kraft Foods) since 2010. Across all Mondelēz International UK sites, £77,000 has been pledged for this year’s ‘Your Charity Your Choice’ initiative.

Each year, all Mondelēz International UK employees are invited to nominate wellbeing-related charities or projects close to their hearts to receive a large donation, with the final shortlisted charities up for vote across the wider workforce.

Kelly Farrell, community affairs manager at Mondelēz International, added: "Supporting fantastic charities and projects which make a real difference to the lives of so many each year is exactly what The Cadbury Foundation is all about.

"So, we’re extremely proud to know that thanks to the Foundation’s donation, Maggie’s Wirral can continue delivering its vital services that help reduce isolation and loneliness to its local community."

For more information on The Cadbury Foundation, visit www.cadbury.co.uk/cadbury-foundation, and for further details on Maggie’s Cancer Care, go to www.maggies.org/our-centres/maggies-wirral/.