“READY, steady...bake!”

Those are the words of TV presenter Sally Taylor as she invites the entire county to tea.

Sally is the face of BBC South Today and the chair of The Haven in Wessex appeal committee and today with the support of the Daily Echo she is launching the charity’s £1 Million Tea Party in a bid to open the region’s specialist support centre for breast cancer survivors as soon as possible.

The Haven hopes to open its doors in October now building work is under way to refurbish the grade II listed property in Titchfield. The centre will offer free support for anyone affected by breast cancer including emotional support and alternative therapies.

Already £1.5 million has been raised but to fund converting the building into a haven and initial running costs there is £1m to go – and the charity needs your support.

Daily Echo:

The Haven in Wessex £1 Million Tea Party takes place from Monday, February 9 until Monday, February 16 – and anything goes.

Everyone from friends to work colleagues and even builders are urged to tie up their aprons, put the kettle on and rise to the challenge to show their support to those battling cancer.

Sally, said: “Absolutely anybody of any age can take part in The Haven in Wessex tea party – friends, work colleagues, mums, schools, absolutely anyone, even guys in garages and how great would it be if dockers could join in.

“Just take some time out, drink tea, eat cake and raise money for charity – it really can’t get any better than that.”

And Sally will be at the centre of the action.

“I may put on a few extra pounds and viewers may think I look like a basking whale by the end of the week, but it’s all for a good cause.”

Dates in Sally’s diary so far include a tea party at Long Barn in Alresford on the Thursday where everyone is invited to join in, ‘Cake Friday’ at the BBC and a party at the Titchfield centre.

And what is Sally’s secret ingredient to a good tea party?

“I’m an Earl Grey fan, that’s what I drink at home. Favourite cake? I’ll eat anything. I’m not so bad at baking either and have quite a reputation at the BBC for my lemon cake with thyme and chocolate brownies.”

But behind the fun-filled event is a serious cause and one that Sally can relate to first hand after she underwent breast cancer surgery herself in 1999.

Sally, says: “After my breast cancer operation I experienced severe depression for the first time in my life and had to seek help.

“I thought at the time that I’d never come out of it but I did and fortunately haven’t been in that dark place again.

“The Haven is a very special place which is going to offer some relief to the thousands of people going through the very difficult journey of breast cancer. If in some way we can alleviate what they are going through we will do the job we have set out to do and get The Haven in Wessex open as soon as possible. Every pound raised by local people will go to our local centre so please get planning your parties.”