THE DREAM has finally become a reality.

There were cheers all round as the Haven Centre, in Titchfield, opened its doors to its new clinic in Titchfield.

It will help the charity to fulfil its mission to ensure no one diagnosed with breast cancer has to face it alone.

Chief executive of the charity, Pamela Healy, said: “It is truly fantastic to be here today to open this centre.

“The new clinic is a great place and we put it in Titchfield because we understand that many people from Southampton and Portsmouth may travel to London to get support. We wanted to be centrally in between so people from around the region can come here to get support.”

BBC South Today presenter and chairman of the fundraising committee, Sally Taylor, said she wanted to help the charity because of the fantastic role they play with people who suffer from the disease.

Sally, who tackled breast cancer herself in 1999, added: “Coming here is fantastic because you can come and talk to someone else that has cancer and share you thoughts. The fact we have a Haven in the south is just great.

“When you enter the building you straight away feel comfortable and everyone that works here is incredibly friendly. It is just such a very, very relaxing environment and it makes people want to relax.”

As well as being able to talk to workers at the charity, visitors can also have acupuncture sessions and relax in the homely environment.

Fareham Borough Council deputy mayor, Cllr Connie Hockley, said she is delighted the region now has a place like Haven where it can go to receive help and support.

She added: “I am proud and excited and I am just so happy that a wonderful place like this is available to the people of Hampshire.

“When you walk into this building you get an immediate feeling of tranquillity and calmness and I hope that every other person that walks through the door feels the same way.”

Also attending the event was Hampshire County Council member for Fareham and Titchfield, Cllr Geoffrey Hockley, who said the new clinic is everything you could possibly want it to be and more.

By Will Rimell