JUST two years ago the threat of closure loomed over a Hampshire cancer support charity that helps hundreds of people each year.

Now Romsey’s Jane Scarth House is set to move to bigger and more accessible premises after securing another property on The Hundred.

But before moving into its new base, to the rear of their current home, planning permission has been sought to extend the building.

Romsey Cancer Support Centre says the extension will create a big social area, two counselling rooms and two therapy rooms, as well as a disabled loo and a kitchen.

There will also be a small private outside space to relax in.

However, trustees from the charity came up with an idea to fundraise for their extension in a different way. They are calling on local residents to help mobilise Jane’s Army to donate building materials and labour.

“We’ve only just started, but have already had a superb response.” said trustee Sue Jones.

“Companies that have already come forward with their support include Mackoy and Michelmersh Brick.

“We thought about this idea because the costs of doing something like this are high.

“It is all a community effort and we say this is a different way of fundraising to engage everyone.”

They hope to have work completed by the middle of next year.

Nevertheless, these plans come just two years after the charity, set up in 1995 by family members of young Romsey mother Jane Scarth who died from cancer more than 20 years ago, was threatened with closure by former owners Wessex Cancer Trust.

But after month of fundraising, volunteers made this decision to take over the running of the charity under the name of Romsey Cancer Support Centre.

They then expanded months later by starting up Jane’s charity shop on Latimer Street, which was officially opened in December 2014 by Lady Brabourne.

The charity is focused on supporting the people of Romsey and the surrounding area with a range of services including counselling, befriending, aromatherapy and other therapies. These are offered free to anyone whose life is affected by cancer, whether as a patient, a family member or friend.

If you would like to be part of Jane’s Army, contact info@janescarthhouse.co.uk or 01794 830374.