AFTER a five-year battle, Jo Reeves will soon see her dream turned into reality.

Radiographer Jo has been the driving force behind a campaign to build a cancer information and support centre in Southampton.

On only the second day in her post, Jo recognised the need for a dedicated information point for cancer patients and their loved ones.

Armed with a tape measure, she marched down to the foyer area at Southampton's Royal South Hants Hospital and earmarked a small corner where volunteers could set up leaflet racks and provide support.

Since these small beginnings, Jo's idea has blossomed into plans for a state-of-the-art centre to be built at Southampton General Hospital.

A massive fundraising drive is now under way to raise the £1m needed to fund the huge project, which will provide vital support for cancer patients living across south Hampshire.

The Macmillan Cancer Relief Appeal for South Hampshire, backed by the Daily Echo, is expected to run for about two years.

Up to 3,000 patients a year are expected to benefit from the dedicated centre, which will offer everything from Internet access and relaxation therapy to stylish wigs and advice about state benefits.

Jo, based at the Royal South Hants Hospital, said: "The centre will be very much a community resource; a drop-in service that you don't have to access through any professional clinic.

"People will be able to come in, talk to a volunteer and be referred to whatever services, counselling or complementary therapies they would like."

Jo added: "Probably the vast majority of people who come through our door will not know what they want.

"But sometimes it is just about half an hour in a supportive environment where you can drop the mask of having to cope."

CAN YOU HELP?

For information about fundraising to help the appeal, contact Connie McConachie or Vanessa Eden at Macmillan Cancer Relief's South Hampshire office on 023 8023 6367.