WESSEX Cancer Trust are 'Building for the Future' in its appeal for a new Cancer Wellbeing Centre on the Island.

After losing half its current home in Lugley Street, Newport, the charity plans to extend into the adjoining building which requires everything from ceilings and floorings to electrics — a complete renovation.

The new centre, which will include three new therapy rooms, a group exercise room and a social hub for a coffee and a chat, will cost £100,000.

Community engagement manager, Lorraine White, told the County Press: "There's around 6,000 people affected by cancer on the Island and well over 2,000 people attended our counselling, complementary therapies and yoga sessions last year.

"We need to continue and expand this service.

"It's a big thing to go through and people need something to lift their spirits and make them feel just a little bit better."

Tori Coles, who was diagnosed with cancer almost three years ago, said: "A new centre with a fresh approach and more of a community would really benefit the Island in giving support and advice for families affected by cancer.

"It's a club that no one wants to be part of but it's a club that is needed."

An array of exciting fundraising events are in store this coming year.

Businesses, community groups, schools and individuals can join in the Brick by Brick Challenge and raise £500 to bag themselves a named brick in the new centre, while all are invited to take part in the rescheduled Mad Hatter's Easter Egg Hunt in Parkhurst Forest on Sunday (April 8), between 10am and 1pm.

The Wessex team will be in ASDA on Wednesday, May 9 for a fundraising day, and whether you bake it or fake it, Cakes 4 Cancer will be running for a week from Saturday, May 14.

Lorraine said: "There are so many ways people can help.

"You can organise your own events, volunteer at or attend our events, and corporations can even choose Wessex as their charity of the year.

"Keep an eye on our social media and website, and we'd love it if you could get involved."

Trust volunteer, Linda Huntley, said: "It's a nice community here but we need to grow — we need more therapists and we need more space and for that, we need more money."

Find out more about the cause or donate by e-mailing iwappeal@wessexcancer.org.uk or visit wessexcancer.org.uk/appeal/building-future-iw