WORK has started today on a breast cancer specialist support centre in Hampshire that will support thousands of women across the south.

The Haven will be based in a refurbished grade II listed property in Titchfield.

It is being made possible through its campaign to raise funds in the region of £2.5m – a campaign backed by the Daily Echo.

Building work started today will include re-landscaping the garden, designing and constructing disabled access throughout the building and completely remodelling the rooms to accommodate Haven therapy sessions and living space.

Hampshire building firm Three Valley has won the contract.

The renovation is expected to cost £500,000 and last about six months.

An official opening is expected in October and once finished the site will cater for Wessex residents from Dorchester to Chichester.

But the charity, whose chairwoman is BBC South Today presenter Sally Taylor, says that to cover purchasing, refurbishing, and converting the building into a Haven, as well as initial running costs for the first two years, the total projected cost for the Hampshire Haven is £2.5m. Money has already been raised through a series of events, challenges, grants and donations.

The centre will offer for free a range of therapies to help people deal with the physical and emotional side effects of breast cancer, providing specialist nurses and experts in nutrition, exercise and emotional support.

The Haven already has three centres running in London, Hereford and Leeds. However, the charity does not receive any Government funding so is reliant on public support to raise the £1,000 needed to cover care for each visitor.

Daily Echo:

Pamela Healy (above), The Haven’s chief executive, said: “There are almost 3,000 breast cancer patients in the Wessex region, and we’ll now be able to provide tailored, one-to-one support for breast cancer patients in our area, as well as their family and friends.”

Fundraisers plan to give the appeal a boost with the £1m Wessex Tea Party, which runs from February 9 to 16.