PUTTING the kettle on is still a good way to raise cash for charity and a vintage-style coffee morning Romsey proved the point.

Organisers of last Friday’s fundraiser Jane Purvis and Alison Bailey say the event netted more than £500 for Romsey Cancer Support Centre – Jane Scarth House.

Mrs Purvis said she was surprised at how much money was made at the coffee morning in the town hall.

“I was really amazed at how successful it was. It all went very well and the event was packed,” saidshe said.

Besides home-made cakes, teas and coffee, the fundraiser at Romsey Town Hall included a stand selling vintage items.

Jane lost her husband Malcolm to cancer last year and her son’s fiancé was also diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

“The Romsey Cancer Centre, Jane Scarth House have been amazing, offering emotional support to myself and my son’s fiancé. My husband has since died but am pleased to say that my future daughter-in-law is now in remission.” said Jane. “With their help I am coping with life again and wanted to give something back by having the coffee morning and I am delighted to say we raised over £500.”

Jane Scarth House was threatened with closure last year when Wessex Cancer Trust pulled the plug on the much loved cancer counselling support centre.

But a new charity – Romsey Cancer Support Centre – stepped in and saved the service which costs around £60,000 a year to run.

Centre manager Anne Campbell said: “As the charity is completely self-funding, we are really grateful to Alison and Jane for organising such a successful event which will help the centre to continue to offer its services free of charge to anyone dealing with a cancer diagnosis.” Anne said any fundraisers in aid of Jane Scarth House would be welcome. Call Anne on 01794 830374.