Founder of Doncaster cancer service honoured

A plaque in memory of a courageous woman who set up a service to revolutionise cancer care in Doncaster has been unveiled.
Marie Caygill, who has terminal breast cancer has set up a support to help other Cancer patients. Picture: Marie Caley NDFP Caygilll MC 1Marie Caygill, who has terminal breast cancer has set up a support to help other Cancer patients. Picture: Marie Caley NDFP Caygilll MC 1
Marie Caygill, who has terminal breast cancer has set up a support to help other Cancer patients. Picture: Marie Caley NDFP Caygilll MC 1

The family of Marie Caygill, who died in January after battling breast cancer, planted a tree and placed a plaque outside the Holmescarr Community Centre in Rossington – home of the Doncaster Cancer Support Drop In Centre.

Inspirational Marie, aged 47, set up the service whilst battling her own illness to bring together the town’s charities and support groups under one roof.

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Marie’s sister Dawn said: “We planted a beautiful wisteria tree and placed a memorial plaque in her memory so the people who loved her can go to pay their respects and reflect.

“The Holmescarr Community Centre very kindly allowed us to plant the tree outside the cancer support drop-in, which is where Marie spent many hours helping others.”

Since her death Marie’s family has been inundated with tributes including one from Doncaster MP Ed Miliband.

Dawn said: “Ed Miliband stated that he remembered meeting Marie and it had been a privilege to have met such an inspirational woman.

Marie with granchildren (L to R) Eli Killeen, one months, Ivy
Killeen, three and Cole Holmes, fiveMarie with granchildren (L to R) Eli Killeen, one months, Ivy
Killeen, three and Cole Holmes, five
Marie with granchildren (L to R) Eli Killeen, one months, Ivy Killeen, three and Cole Holmes, five
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“He said that she has left a lasting memory with her sheer courage and determination to help others even when she was ill herself.

“He also expressed how saddened he was to hear of her passing and passed on his sincere condolences to all the family.”

Marie launched the service after struggling to access support after her diagnosis in November 2013.

The service provides support and information to cancer patients trying to cope emotionally as well as physically and financially.

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Since her death Marie has been nominated for a national accolade that is being awarded in Birmingham later this month. She has been short listed in the ‘making a difference in communities’ category.

The Doncaster Cancer Support Drop In Centre continues to provide life changing help to hundreds of residents after Marie made it her mission to leave a lasting legacy.

n For information about the Doncaster Cancer Support Drop-In Centre in Rossington contact Debbie on 07849 55738 or Sharon on 07955365432.