A CANCER charity that was set up in Basingstoke has celebrated its first year of supporting the town’s women.

The Pink Place was founded by Julia Dingwall and Janis Taylor in September 2010, with the aim of pampering women going through breast cancer treatment.

Run every other Monday at Taylor’s Hair and Beauty Salon, in Wote Street, which is owned by 51-year-old Janis, from Oakley, the charity has supported more than 50 women by offering beauty treatments and counselling.

The Pink Place was set up after 45-year-old Julia was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. The mother-of-two, from Hatch Warren, was a customer at Taylor’s and became friends with Janis, who supported her throughout her treatment.

She said: “It’s all about feeling good about yourself. It’s been fantastic over the last year and I can’t believe how quickly it’s gone. Our future plan is for all cancer patients to benefit from this.

“We would like to see The Pink Place all over the country. It not only offers women the chance to relax and have their nails or hair done, but it’s also a chance to form friendships.”

Janis added: “We decided we wanted to do something to help people in Basingstoke. All the ladies who help are volunteers. We are trying to get as much money as possible so we can offer this for all types of cancer. There’s a desperate need for it.”

Beverley Walsh was diagnosed with breast cancer in April last year, and has been through chemotherapy, a mastectomy, radiotherapy and reconstruction.

The 38-year-old, from Kempshott, Basingstoke, said: “When I was diagnosed, it was a massive shock. There’s no breast cancer in my family.”

Mrs Walsh, who has five-year-old twins, is now in remission, and added: “Hopefully, it has gone and it will never come back.

“When I was diagnosed I thought I was the only person. Then I came here to The Pink Place, and everyone is in the same boat and in the same situation. It takes you away from it all and gives you time to relax.”

The Pink Place is holding a charity ball on October 29 at the Apollo Hotel in Basingstoke. To find out more, visit the pinkplace.org.uk.