New cancer hub needed as demand doubles - charity

Support centre manager Steffi Colbert (left) and client Nat are backing the appeal

A charity offering anyone affected by cancer free support has launched an appeal to fund a new centre.

Wessex Cancer Support is hoping to raise £150,000 to create the new site, which would offer personalised wellbeing and emotional support to people in Bournemouth.

The organisation said it was currently preparing to move from its existing base in Hinton Road to Boscombe by the summer.

The money raised would pay for the new centre's running costs for the first year and help create a purpose-built community hub, the charity said.

Rachel Billsberry-Grass, chief executive, said: "Since 2023, demand at our Bournemouth centre has more than doubled and our new centre is essential in enabling us to support more people at a time in their lives when they need it most."

The charity explained more than 4,000 people in Dorset are diagnosed with cancer every year.

Staff will be hosting events to raise money throughout the next year, including a 1980s-themed Boogie Bingo.

Ms Billsberry-Grass added: "We hope the community will come out and support the appeal to help us create a wonderful and much-needed new space."