A DORSET cancer charity is appealing to Daily Echo readers to help launch a regional children's cancer support service at its new Bournemouth centre.

The Wessex Cancer Trust Trust plans to open its Hinton Road Cancer Support Centre to cancer sufferers of all ages by December.

Although plans for the adult services are now well underway following the launch of the Echo-backed C-Change Appeal last August, there is still a need for a more child-friendly facility.

Chief executive Cait Allen, said: “We are very excited about this centre – it has been a long time coming. The people of Bournemouth have been very kind responding to our C-Change Appeal, but we need just a little bit more help to provide children’s cancer support services to the region. We can make a big difference to the local community and are desperate to get to work."

Cait said they had been unable to plan for their children’s services due to a lack of furniture and facilities.

She added: " As part of their therapy or whilst waiting for counselling sessions to start, the children’s room at the Hinton Road Centre needs to be warm, welcoming and most importantly a positive place with appropriate equipment and furnishings."

The trust is hoping to have brightly coloured hub chairs, beanbags, a TV, a games console and a younger child’s activity table. The items will need to be new to minimise infection for very poorly children and meet health and safety guidelines.

If you are able to help get the centre operational for children, please call Clare Lay on 07468 477834 or email clare.lay@wessexcancer.org.uk See wessexcancer.org.uk for further information.

Established in 1981, Wessex Cancer Trust currently has five cancer support centres across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and plans to open three new centres by the end of this year including Bournemouth which will be the first in Dorset.

As well as counselling and complementary therapies, the trust provides a full range of additional services to support clients and their families, including financial assistance, holiday homes, information and support, patient transport and activity groups.