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It’s our founder’s birthday today - Douglas Macmillan was born on this day in 1884. Douglas was devastated by watching his father suffer a painful death from cancer of the oesophagus in 1911. Using a £10 gift from his father, he set up the organisation that became Macmillan Cancer Support.
Reading what Douglas said at the time, I was struck by how true his words may still ring for people affected by cancer, even after more than 100 years.
Douglas said: “It was a cruel tragedy during those last months to watch him wasting into weakness. When the end came, being at an impressionable age, I was more affected than by anything else in my experience. Could nothing be done to prevent such seemingly needless destruction?
“I want people to be provided with the latest and best advice for both avoiding cancer and recognising and dealing with it when it exists.”
To anyone who is part of Macmillan today, these aims still sound very familiar, as we carry on his work. We aim to reach and improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer, and I hope that Douglas Macmillan would be very proud to see what we are today.
Find out more about our history and our work.
What do you think? Can you relate to what Douglas Macmillan said all those years ago?
Happy Birthday Douglas Macmillan.
There are thousands who are grateful for the organisation you set up.
Thankyou,
Colin
Happy 128th Birthday, Douglas Macmillan.
I am just one of those thousands who have been grateful for your organisation.
With thanks, Joycee x
Happy Birthday my husband & myself are so grateful to the Macmillans organisation For the help we have recieved Sadly my husband is now unable to have anymore treatment so I know when that dreaded day comes I will be greatful for a little more help to cope. In may this year my husband , myself & daughter did a sponsored walk Along the beautiful cliffs at Whitby to raise funds for Macmillan it was an honour , and I will certainly repeat again next year ,Dougas Macmillan would certainly be very proud of what he startedThank You xx
His misson statement still rings true today, it is what Macmillan does, thousands no, millions are very grateful for his desire to help people and to those who are part of the Macmillan family today.