A DONATION given to a cancer charity will enable them to continue providing emotional support to those affected by breast cancer for another year.

The Breast Cancer Haven, Wessex, which gives free support to people with breast cancer, can now fund the job role of Information and Support Officer until December 2020 after being given a donation of £24,000 from the Barker Mill Foundation.

The donation by the Barker Mill Foundation ensures there will be someone in the role at the Titchfield centre for the next 12 months to provide a point of contact for practical information and advice to those with breast cancer.

The Barker Mill Foundation is a charity which makes around 80 donations each year to those in the areas where the Barker-Mill family has owned land for generations.

It was set up by the Barker-Mill family in memory of their father and grandfather Peter Barker-Mill.

Charlene Smith, head of institutional giving at Breast Cancer Haven, said: “We are eternally grateful to the Barker Mill foundation’s continuing support. Their latest donation will make such a difference to the visitors who use our Titchfield centre.

“A breast cancer diagnosis, the treatment and recovery can be hugely daunting, not just for the affected individual but the whole family.

“The challenges faced are gruelling, emotionally, physically and financially. At Breast Cancer Haven, Wessex, we hope to alleviate some of the anxiety and concern and help each individual navigate their circumstances with tailored support, providing the right information and advice at every stage of their treatment and beyond. The funding for this role will make a significant difference to all our visitors, women and men, who are diagnosed with breast cancer, however complex their needs.”

The role of the Information and Support Officer is to link the charity with the wider medical community.

By building contacts and relationships, the role allows them to create outreach opportunities and reach more of those affected by breast cancer.

Tim Jobling, trustee of BMF, said: “We have long been advocates of the work of Breast Cancer Haven, Wessex, which is vital to those experiencing what will most likely be one of the toughest times of their life.

“The Barker Mill Foundation is delighted to once again be able to fund the role of Information and Support Officer, which is pivotal to ensure the support to those in need is given by the charity.”