Player Sponsor Spotlight: Maggie’s

Maggie’s is a renowned charity that provides free, expert practical and emotional support to people living with cancer, as well as their family and friends.

Their unique approach is delivered through a network of beautiful, non-clinical Maggie’s Centres, which are deliberately built in the grounds of major NHS cancer hospitals across the UK (including many across Scotland, such as the original centre in Edinburgh).

READ MORE ABOUT MAGGIE’S HERE

Can you tell us a bit about yourself / your business and the journey that brought you here? 

I am a dedicated volunteer with Maggie’s, a role I embraced following the incredible, essential support the charity provided to my wife and my entire family during her cancer treatment. That experience showed me first-hand the profound, positive impact of their work. I am now driving a crucial initiative, actively partnering with major sports organisations across Scotland, including Edinburgh Rugby, to strategically bring Maggie’s vital cancer support services directly out to their passionate club fanbases and wider community. 

What makes you or your organisation unique, and what values are most important to you? 

Maggie’s is truly unique in its philosophy and delivery. They provide emotional and practical cancer support services in beautiful, non-clinical centres, deliberately situated within the grounds of all the major cancer hospitals across Scotland. This includes vital practical support, such as helping people access the financial benefits they are entitled to while undergoing treatment. Maggies also extend their expert emotional support to the business community through the Cancer in the Workplace service, offering confidential advice to Managing Directors and HR functions. Maggie’s core values revolve around respect, empathy, and expert, evidence-based support that treats the person, not just the disease. 

What inspired you to support this player as a sponsor? 

The decision to sponsor Ross McCann was inspired by the authenticity of his connection to Maggie’s mission. Ross has a powerful, personal understanding of being close to someone receiving treatment for cancer. This experience provides him with genuine empathy, and that deep-rooted understanding is invaluable to the message Maggie’s are trying to convey to the community. 

In what ways does the player reflect qualities or values that resonate with you or your organisation? 

Ross embodies a quality of resilience and determination that strongly reflects the spirit of those battling cancer and the support Maggie’s provide. His personal history means he can empathise with the difficult realities of cancer as well as deeply understanding the importance of the support Maggie’s is working to deliver for people being treated for cancer and their loved ones. 

What do you admire most about the player, both in their sporting career and as an individual? 

As mentioned, it is that quality of personal authenticity and commitment that truly stands out. He exhibits the courage and teamwork required on the pitch, but it is his understanding and willingness to champion a sensitive cause off it that we admire most. 

How do you hope this sponsorship will benefit your brand / business? 

The association between Ross McCann and Maggie’s will significantly elevate the profile of Maggie’s within a key demographic. It is a powerful way to clearly signal to the entire fan and supporter community that Maggie’s stands ready to support all club fans, their families, and friends should they be touched by cancer. This visibility is essential for ensuring no one feels they must face cancer alone. 

What are your hopes for the future of this sponsorship and your relationship with the player and Edinburgh Rugby? 

My primary hope is to solidify and deepen this relationship, making the club and the entire Edinburgh Rugby fanbase even more acutely aware of the accessible support Maggie’s offers to anyone currently being treated for cancer, or anyone supporting them. We aim for this to be a sustained, meaningful, and highly visible partnership within the capital’s rugby community. 

If you could share one message with supporters / local businesses about your involvement, what would it be? 

The message is simple, powerful, and direct: If cancer touches you or your family in any way—whether you are the patient, a family member, or a friend—please know that expert, compassionate support is available. Come to Maggie’s.