THE Victoria’s Promise Annual Ball, held last month, raised £70,000 to help support young women with cancer.

Some of the funds raised will go towards the Victoria’s Promise VP2W campaign; through which the charity will be expanding their services into the city of Winchester.

Victoria’s Promise is a local charity set up by the family of Victoria van der Westhuizen to fulfil her wish to fill gaps in current cancer care and to make a life changing difference to the wellbeing and recovery of young women with cancer.

At present, the four-year-old charity supports women across North Hampshire, Guildford and London.

Victoria’s Promise already provide support in the areas of emotional, physical, practical and social care currently not available in Winchester. Support that ensures every young women is given the best opportunity and hope of surviving their cancer diagnosis, improve quality of life and flourish after treatment.

Victoria’s Promise are also involved in cancer prevention research (through a partnership with University College London) and are looking to start supporting young men in 2018.

The night welcomed more than 250 guests who celebrated the night with live entertainment and a menu designed by MasterChef finalist, Jackie Kearney.

Throughout the evening speeches were given by some of the charity’s main beneficiaries, who, alongside the General Manager, Dino Rakitzis, outlined why VP’s move to Winchester is so essential.

Mandy Chard, a breast cancer survivor living in Winchester, also spoke about how she believes no other women should go through what she did without the support of VP and is a true advocate for the charity’s latest campaign.

She explained, “VP’s presence in the city would be a game changer in cancer support for young women like me. There is simply nothing else in the area that provides the support Victoria’s Promise do.”

These thoughts were highlighted by GM Dino, who said, “looking forward we don’t want any young women to go without our support, which is why VP aims to be in every hospital across the UK in the next 15-20 years.”

The charity’s next step towards this goal is to secure a presence at The Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester.

To expand into Winchester and maintain a permanent presence there, VP are aiming to raise £100k.

Although momentum is building thanks to the huge success of the ball and the amazing generosity of their supporters, VP is still reliant on local businesses and individuals to get behind them to help reach their target.

l To donate,visit victoriaspromise.com/vp2w.