Apache North Sea Becomes Maggie's First £1 Million-plus Donor

19th March 2024

Milestone moment in 15-year partnership between Maggie's Aberdeen and Apache North Sea helps unlock hundreds of thousands of pounds in benefits for people with cancer.

A new £30,000 donation has tipped Apache North Sea's overall support for Maggie’s Aberdeen over the £1 million mark, resulting in the oil and natural gas exploration and production company becoming the charity’s largest individual benefactor.

Apache’s offshore charity bond committee has been one of Maggie’s biggest cheerleaders, initially supporting the build project for the iconic Foresterhill building on the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary site while it was still on the architect’s drawing board.

Over the years, the offshore workforce has contributed an extraordinary seven-figure sum to underpin every part of Maggie’s work in the northeast.

The most recent donation will be used to sustain the benefits advice service, a crucial element in helping people across the region who are living with cancer.

People with cancer and their families regularly face money worries because of their diagnosis, and many struggle to navigate the application process or are simply unaware of what assistance is available.

Maggie’s offers expert advice to guide people through the options and to give practical help with things like welfare payments, parking permits, filling out forms and dealing with changes in personal circumstances.

In the last ten years alone, this work has unlocked nearly £8.7 million - a huge help to individuals and those closest to them, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.

Jeff Yates, vice president, North Sea Asset, and member of Apache’s bond committee, which manages funds generated by the company’s workforce through sales of confectionary and other items on our offshore platforms, said: "It is important for our offshore workforce to know that the money they raise every day on our North Sea platforms is benefitting people in our local communities.

"It is remarkable that this latest £30,000 donation will have a multiplying effect on people in terms of financial support for them and their families following a cancer diagnosis.

“We are delighted that our team has managed to donate more than £1 million to Maggie’s Aberdeen and support this wonderful local charity. Apache is committed to working with community partners to create a lasting positive impact."

Richard Stewart, Centre Fundraising Manager at Maggie’s Aberdeen, said: “As more people are living longer with cancer, and diagnosis rates increase, the need for the professional support on offer at Maggie’s is increasing in demand. We see around 10,000 visitors every year and know this figure will only increase.

“That’s why we are so thankful for this latest donation from Apache to help us provide more benefits and support to people across the North East. Our services in this area are needed now more than ever as more people with cancer are affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

“Our partnership with Apache has been an ongoing source of help and inspiration since our inception. As we embark on our second decade in the city, we cannot underestimate how much of a difference these donations made to the lives of so many individuals.

“So, we offer a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Apache for their role in the centre's success so far, and we very much look forward to our relationship continuing."

About Maggie’s



Maggie’s has 26 years of experience providing free cancer support and information in centres across the UK.
Built in the grounds of NHS cancer hospitals, the centres are warm and welcoming, and run by expert staff who help people live well with cancer.
Maggie’s has been supporting people with cancer throughout the coronavirus crisis over the phone, email and online. This support has helped people 239,000 times during 2020.
Maggie’s centres are open. This support runs alongside our ongoing phone and email.
The first centre opened in Edinburgh in 1996. Maggie's now has 24 centres in the UK and a growing international network.
Maggie’s is funded by voluntary donations.
Maggie’s President is Her Majesty, The Queen Consort.
Maggie's Chief Executive, Laura Lee was awarded a Damehood in 2019 for her services to people with cancer.
For more information visit maggies.org