A BREAST cancer survivor has vowed to fight back against the disease that nearly killed her by launching her own charity.

Julia Dingwall, 44, of Magnus Drive, Hatch Warren, Basingstoke, was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2007.

It took six arduous rounds of chemotherapy, 30 days of radiotherapy, and a mastectomy before the brave mum-of-two became free of the disease.

Her experience has made her determined to help other sufferers cope with their battle – and now she has launched her own charity called The Pink Place.

She said: “I would like to be able to help others cope with their breast cancer journey.”

The charity aims to offer free professional counselling, complementary therapies, nutritional information and hair and beauty advice for those going through chemo in twice monthly sessions.

Julia said: “We feel there is a need to provide additional support for women who are being treated for breast cancer in north Hampshire. Helping people in mind, body and soul is beneficial to their recovery.”

To do this, Julia has teamed up with her best friend, Janis Taylor, who has let her base the charity at Taylor’s Hair and Beauty, in Wote Street, Basingstoke, where the services will be offered. In the long term, a dedicated home will be found for the charity.

To launch the charity, Julia, a hospitality lecturer at Basingstoke College of Technology, is receiving help from her students to raise start-up funds.

They have agreed to plan and manage a Grand Charity Ball as part of their studies, which will be held in BCOT’s Lower Concourse of its Worting Road campus on Saturday.

The students are co-ordinating the event, from ticket design and planning a menu for a three-course meal to organising sponsorship and entertainment. The event is now sold out, with more than 150 guests confirmed.

For more information about The Pink Place, call Julia Dingwall on 07941 577001 or email info@thepinkplace.org.uk.