A NEW Southampton cancer support centre has received a £140,000 donation from a local foundation.

The Maggie’s Centre will be based by University Hospital Southampton’s oncology unit.

It is using the funds from the Marchwood-based Barker-Mill Foundation (BMF) towards construction of the facility, which is due to open next year.

Maggie’s will complement cancer treatments and research taking place at the hospital and it is estimated that once established in Southampton, will see approximately 20,000 visits annually from people of all ages and with any type of cancer.

Ahead of opening its doors and with a target of £1million to be reached, fundraising efforts are ongoing.

The required amount will cover the running costs of the centre and enable a programme of sessions.

Maggie’s is calling on local fundraisers and donors to help raise the money.

The charity says the cash is vital to ensure everyone who visits the centre can use the facilities and sessions on offer.

Fundraising Manager, Gemma McKnight, said: “The response we have received since the news broke about Maggie’s coming to Southampton has been overwhelming.

“We really appreciate all the support that has been given so far but there is still some work to do in order to ensure the future of the Centre and to allow us to support as many people living with or affected by cancer, as possible.

“The more fundraising activities that the public can organise or get involved with, or join in with our planned events, the better. Any corporate sponsors who would be willing to support us, please do get in touch. Every penny counts.”

Barker Mills Foundation trustee, Tim Jobling, inset, said: “Maggie’s is a wonderful organisation and I would encourage everyone to get behind it, by fundraising and donating for this very special service which is going to touch the lives of so many people with cancer, as well as and their friends and families.”

Maggie’s is a national charity with 22 other Centres around the UK. It provides practical, emotional and social support for people with cancer and their family and friends.

Built in the grounds of NHS cancer hospitals, Maggie’s Centres are places with professional staff on hand to offer the support people need.

BMF was established in 1995 in memory of Peter Barker-Mill and makes donations to local charities, schools, organisations and individuals needing support primarily in south west Hampshire.