THE Daily Echo today throws its weight behind a £1m appeal to improve the lives of hundreds of Hampshire people living with cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Relief needs to raise the huge amount to fund a cancer information and support centre based at Southampton General Hospital.

When built, the state-of-the-art centre will provide help and advice for anyone whose life is affected by cancer - relatives and friends will be as welcome as patients themselves. Designed to offer a homely atmosphere, the building will be in complete contrast to the stark wards and cold hospital corridors often associated with cancer care.

The massive fundraising drive has already started and is expected to run for around two years. A reception was held recently to publicise the appeal, and which was attended by Southampton mayor, Parvin Damani, as well as Southampton Football Club captain, Jason Dodd.

The Daily Echo has given its official backing to the project by naming Macmillan Cancer Relief's Appeal for South Hampshire as the newspaper's charity of the year.

Daily Echo editor Ian Murray said: "We are delighted to be able to support this extremely worthwhile cause, which will benefit hundreds of people in our area.

"Cancer touches so many lives; most people know someone who has either had cancer or been affected by it in some way."

As well as those living in south Hampshire, the centre will support people living on the Isle of Wight and in the Channel Islands. Facilities will include complementary therapies, support groups, information leaflets, Internet access, Macmillan staff, stylish wigs and headgear, and advice about patient grants and state benefits.

Centre manager Jac Broomfield said: "The centre will offer a haven with a very non-clinical environment. Patients will be able to pop in if they are attending an outpatient appointment or chemotherapy. People do not want to be sent away with a leaflet; they want to speak to somebody and get their questions answered."

The centre is also expected to serve as a useful resource for hospital staff and health workers in the community.

Connie McConachie, appeal manager, said: "Four in ten people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, so everyone is affected by cancer in some way.

"The new Macmillan support and information centre will help people living with cancer and their families by providing them with appropriate support, such as counselling, benefits advice and complementary therapies at the right time."