.jpg)
Our Story
One Woman. One Newspaper. One Coffee Morning.
Every great organisation starts with a simple act of kindness.
For MACS Cancer Support Group, it began in 2007 with one woman opening her home to strangers who, like her, were living with cancer.
That woman was Elaine Brown.
A Personal Journey That Inspired a Community
In 2007, Elaine was diagnosed with cancer while living in Spain.
During her treatment she discovered that many people, particularly expatriates, were struggling with much more than their illness. Patients often faced:
❤️ Language barriers
🏥 An unfamiliar healthcare system
🚗 Travelling alone to treatment
💜 Emotional isolation
Although excellent hospitals were available, there was very little community support for people facing cancer.
Elaine knew something needed to change.
It All Started With Coffee
After completing chemotherapy, Elaine placed a small notice in a local newspaper inviting anyone affected by cancer to join her for coffee and conversation at her home.
She wasn't trying to start a charity.
She simply wanted to create a place where people could speak openly, share experiences and realise they weren't facing cancer alone.
A handful of people came.
Then more.
From Coffee Morning to Community Movement
As the group grew, so did the support they offered.
Volunteers began helping patients with everyday challenges, including:
-
Transport to chemotherapy appointments
-
Fundraising for wigs and prosthetics
-
Emotional support
-
Practical help for families
What began around a kitchen table quickly became a lifeline for local people.
MACS Is Born
2008
Recognising the growing need, the group formally established MACS (Mojácar Area Cancer Support).
Their mission was simple:
To ensure that nobody faces cancer alone by providing practical support, emotional care and a compassionate community.
That mission continues today.
Growing Across Almería
Today MACS supports patients and families across much of the Province of Almería, from the coastline to inland communities including Vélez-Rubio.
The charity has helped hundreds of local families and continues to bridge the gap between hospitals and the community.
Community Funded
MACS is funded almost entirely by local fundraising and the incredible support of volunteers.
Five charity shops help make this possible:
-
Mojácar
-
Turre
-
Las Buganvillas
-
Albox
-
Huércal-Overa
Every purchase helps support local cancer patients.
Elaine's Legacy
In 2013 Elaine faced cancer once again.
Following a recurrence, she underwent extensive treatment, including a bone marrow transplant in Málaga.
Despite her own illness, she continued to inspire volunteers and patients alike through her determination, compassion and leadership.
Elaine passed away in 2018.
Her vision, however, lives on every single day through MACS.
"One act of kindness grew into a community of care."
Continuing the Journey
Following Elaine's passing, her husband David Brown became President and public representative of MACS.
Under his leadership, the charity has continued to evolve while remaining faithful to Elaine's original vision:
Supporting people with cancer through
-
Practical help
-
Emotional support
-
Compassion
-
Community
National Recognition
In recognition of his outstanding service to the cancer community in Spain, David Brown was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2024 New Year Honours.
The award reflects not only his dedication but also the extraordinary work of MACS volunteers, supporters and donors who continue Elaine's legacy every day.