THERE is no running involved, no need to jump out of a plane or even trek up one of the world’s highest mountains.

The biggest fundraiser on this year’s calendar of breast cancer charity The Haven in Wessex simply calls for you to relax, pop the kettle on and eat cake!

BBC South Today presenter Sally Taylor has launched the £1m Tea Party in a bid to open a free specialist support centre for anyone affected by cancer as soon as possible.

The idea, however, has history.

Last February a group of just three women from Winchester - Isabel Boissier, Charlotte Bradshaw and Rosie Bentley - decided to host a series of tea parties for the charity, raising a staggering £33,000.

Now, the original trio have got together at Winchester’s Hotel du Vin to call on everyone across the county to join in.

Everyone from friends and work colleagues to schools and clubs are being urged to take time out from February 9 to February 16 to have a cup of tea and a slice of cake so those suffering from cancer do not have to fight the disease alone, even if it does mean just buying a biscuit, cuppa and donating.

Isabel, a former publisher and mum-of-four, said: “We couldn’t believe how many people got involved last year. It was like a spider web effect and we were completely blown away by the amount raised.

“This year it is spreading out even further and there isn’t a reason anyone should be reluctant to get involved. It is fun and it is worthwhile.”

Anyone affected by breast cancer in their life can self-refer to the specialist centre in Titchfield which plans to open in autumn. Here they will be able to talk to experts about everything from financial worries to nutrition, receive a tailor-made programme of complementary therapies such as yoga and acupuncture, and meet others battling cancer.