AUTUMN - usually the month of mellow mists and fruitfulness.

But this year you might have noticed things turning a bit pink.

If so - it’s for a very good reason.

October is officially breast cancer awareness month, and from beards to buildings, pumpkins to pink shirt days, people across the county are going pink to raise money, starting off with a pink shirt day on Friday October 7.

Fundraisers are asking schools and office workers to don their very best pink shirt and donate cash in aid of Breast Cancer Haven - the UK’s only charity offering free, one-to-one support to improve the quality of life of anyone affected by breast cancer.

Pink fans can also take part in a ‘pink pumpkin’ competition, with prizes up for grabs from the Holiday Inn, or even dye their beard pink on October 29.

This week Condor Office Solutions, Southampton Guildhall, The Brook, The Mayflower Theatre, the Old Mutual building and Ferneham Hall Fareham, Civic Offices Fareham and Santander in Fareham all turned their buildings pink this week, while buckets will be shaken at supermarkets and train stations across the county all month and visitors to M&S Hedge End will be treated to some surprise - entertainment on Saturday afternoon.

Daily Echo:

Titchfield Haven fundraising manager Sally Hillyear said: “There are 3000 people with a current diagnosis of breast cancer in our region and many more survivors living with the side effects of surgery and drugs and the psychological effects.

“We help people locally through complimentary therapies such as massage, hypnotherapy, nutritional advice, acupuncture which helps with night sweats and fatigue as well as mindfulness and EFT.

“We provide exercise classes as this helps through pilates, tai chi and yoga, a drop in coffee morning, a young women’s support group and secondary breast cancer group where people are brought together and support each other in our beautiful haven.

“We also offer counselling for the person and their family and friends.

“We are unique as we are the only breast cancer specific charity to provide these services. In our first year we have seen over 250 visitors and many more in our classes and groups and provided over 1000 therapy hours.”

TV presenter Sally Taylor, who has herself recovered from breast cancer is backing the campaign. She said: “Breast cancer affects so many of our friends and loved ones.

"I know from personal experience how hideous the disease and treatment can be and so it is wonderful to have The Haven, offering incredible support to anyone affected.

"Wearing a pink shirt on October 7 not only highlights the disease and the need for regular personal checking, but is also a great way of supporting this vital charity.”