PREPARE for Hampshire to turn pink in support of the hundreds of people fighting cancer.

That is the message from national charity The Haven which is counting down the weeks until it can open the doors of a new breast cancer support centre in Titchfield.

Vital renovations are now under way at the historic building which is on schedule to transform from a building site into a tranquil haven to provide a lifeline for those battling the disease by October to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Anyone who has ever been affected by the disease will be able to self-refer to The Haven in Wessex to receive a free personalised programme of care. This will include support with everything from financial worries to nutrition and the option to take part in a number of complementary therapies such as yoga and acupuncture.

The Daily Echo backed a fundraising appeal launched in April 2013 at a fashion show at Lime Wood hotel and since that time, more than £1.5 million was raised in order to buy the building and begin renovations.

Now, dozens of builders are working tirelessly to transform rooms into what will become sanctuaries. The building work is set to finish by the end of August before finishing touches can be made to the property.

Hannah Daws, fundraising and communications manager, explained: “We will then need to put all the finishing touches to the centre to ensure it’s the beautiful, soothing and peaceful environment that is befitting of a Haven.”

Among those finishing touches will be creating the same garden that scooped gold at Chelsea Flower Show within the grounds. Inspired by the charity’s work, the peaceful garden designed by multi-award winning garden designer, Sarah Eberle, has designed the garden to feature is centred around a willow woven ‘nest’ created by Tom Hare which rests underneath an oak tree, symbolising the supportive nature of the centre.

However, in order to provide that support, the charity still needs to raise two years running costs to ensure the new centre is sustainable. Some money has already been pledged towards this but a further still £800,000 is needed.

Hannah, said: “The response from people from right across the Wessex region has been phenomenal in support of our appeal, which has got us to where we are now. Supporters have literally climbed mountains, cycled ridiculous distances and run marathons in our name. It is wonderful that the community has embraced our mission so enthusiastically to open a new support centre for people affected by breast cancer in the region.

“As the charity Macmillan has recently revealed, there is very little post-treatment support and after-care for people with cancer. We can pick up where the NHS leaves off and provide the vital emotional, practical and physical support that those diagnosed with breast cancer so desperately need.

“We are so near the finishing line and we are looking forward to opening our doors in Titchfield to those that need our help in October. Thank you to everyone that has helped us realise our ambitions."

But please continue to support us going forward as we receive no government funding to provide our services.”

For more information or to find out how you can help go to thehaven.org.uk or follow The Haven in Wessex on Facebook.

TARA RUSSELL