A CANCER information and support centre opened its doors at Southampton General Hospital today following a £1m fundraising campaign.

The state-of-the-art centre, which will provide information and psychological, emotional and practical support for anyone affected by cancer, has been built in just ten months.

As reported in Saturday's Daily Echo, today's public unveiling comes after Macmillan Cancer Relief confirmed a £1m fundraising drive to pay for the new centre had hit its target.

Hundreds of people have been involved in the appeal, which has been backed by the Daily Echo and has Saints star Jason Dodd as patron.

Fundraising events across the county have ranged from sponsored silences and swims to concerts, a sausage sizzle and speed dating evening.

Numerous local companies have also made donations to the appeal.

The new centre, being formally opened this morning by Southampton mayor Edwina Cooke and city sheriff John Slade, is expected to be used by up to 3,000 people in the first year.

Open to cancer patients as well as their friends, families and carers, it will cater for people across a large area including south Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Wiltshire, Dorset and the Channel Islands.

Facilities include support groups, complementary therapies, Internet access, stylish wigs and headgear and advice about patient grants and state benefits.

Connie McConachie, Macmillan fundraising manager, said: "Four in ten people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, so everyone is affected by cancer in some way.

"The centre will help people living with cancer and their families by providing them with appropriate support, such as counselling, benefits advice and complementary therapies and information about cancer at the right time."

The Macmillan cancer information and support centre will be open between 10am and 4pm from Monday to Friday.

No appointment is necessary. For general inquiries, call 023 8079 6037.