A CHARITY at risk of closure will launch a new plan to help shape its future in supporting people with cancer.

It comes as Public Health England estimated that there will be nearly 165,000 living with cancer by 2030, in comparison to just over 98,000 people in 2014.

Wessex Cancer Trust, a charity that provides free support for 11,000 people living with cancer in Hampshire each year, has since come up with a strategy to ensure they can give people what they need while supporting them next year onwards.

This includes introducing a new personalised plan for each client; supporting more people affected by cancer - including more men and all ages; provide clear and accessible information for anyone living with a cancer diagnosis and invest more in prevention and early detection awareness.

The cancer charity has also pledged they will create communities that staff and volunteers are proud to be part of; empower everyone to live well with and beyond cancer; and manage the charity as efficiently and effectively as possible.

By managing the charity "effectively", this means they plan to increase its long-term financial stability by owning its cancer wellness centres in each region rather than its current leasing arrangements, invest in fundraising and IT to ensure the charity is "future proof", and support its workers.

But they may be unable to use this strategy if they do not raise £600,000 by January 31 2020.

The service fell into its first crisis situation after seeing an increase in demand, a 65 percent reduction in donation gifts and a drop in shop sales.

A large gift that was promised to the charity also fell through, and they resorted to the public as a "last resort".

Wessex Cancer Trust’s CEO Cait Allen said: “Community and being there for others has always been at the heart of what we do. People’s needs are changing and as a local charity we have an integral role to play in shaping the future of cancer care.

"We know that everyone’s journey through cancer is different and this requires a unique approach to care.

She added: "It is our responsibility to be there for as many people as we can and we’ve spent a considerable amount of time during 2019 evaluating how best to do this. We now have a clear vision, direction and plan to deliver care from 2020 to 2024 which acknowledges how we will be there for every single person who needs us.”

To donate to Wessex Cancer Trust, text SAVEWESSEX to 70085 or visit justgiving.com/campaign/savewessexcancertrust.