ONE in eight women in Herefordshire can now expect to be affected by breast cancer at some point in their lives.

This stark fact means the Hereford Haven, which provides vital and free practical support to those coping with the disease, expects at least 300 new referrals a year.

So the Hereford Times today launches the One in Eight appeal to raise £30,000 for a new specialist nurse to help the Haven cope with that demand.

We are calling on communities across the county – clubs and societies, businesses, schools, sports groups, individuals – to join in and help us make it happen.

We are asking readers to pick up the baton and run with as many fund-raising initiatives as they can to help us cross the finishing line as quickly as possible.

And we will help by publicising your efforts in the Hereford Times each week for as long as One in Eight is running.

We will also be creating a Roll of Honour to recognise the contribution of all those backing the appeal.

The Haven is on a mission to help as many women as possible affected by breast cancer, offering its free psychological support and complementary therapies.

If the Haven can raise £30,000 to cover the cost of a nurse for a year, it is confident of being able to fund the post for itself in the future as income rises with increased visitor numbers.

The incidence of breast cancer in Herefordshire –128.5 patients per 100,000 – is just above the England average of 125.7.

“This means around one in eight county women will be affected by breast cancer at some point in their lives,” says Haven fundraising manager Frankie Devereux.

For that one in eight, The Haven is the opportunity to address each aspect of their life with cancer and live as well as possible throughout their diagnosis and treatment – and long into the future.

And the St Owen Street centre is now supporting an ever-increasing number of breast cancer patients.

Figures for the first quarter of this year are already up on the same time last year. The Haven currently has the capacity for around 275 new referrals over 2015- 16 and to provide over 4,000 therapy appointments.

“But between March and May this year alone we’ve seen a 51 per cent increase in the number of new visitors over the same time last year,” says Mrs Devereux.

“In terms of other support available for breast cancer patients, there is nowhere in the region that provides the breadth and depth of what The Haven offers.

“As we receive no government funding for our services and are entirely dependent on charitable donations, it is essential we make every penny count.”

Hereford Times:

HOW TO HELP

Organise a fund-raising event. Contact Hereford Times reporter Bill Tanner on 01432 845878 to provide details for our weekly appeal page.

Donate online: Go to the web donation page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayCharityCampaignPage.action?charityCampaignUrl=herefordtimescampaign

Also, www.thehaven.org.uk gives plenty of fundraising suggestions with a direct link to the Hereford Times campaign from the main donate page this week.

Cash or cheque: Cheques should be made payable to ‘The Haven’ and can be sent to Haven Appeal, c/o The Hereford Times, Holmer Road, Hereford HR4 9UJ or The Haven, 37 St Owen Street, Hereford HR1 2JB.

Please write Hereford Times on the back of cheques. Cash donations can also be handed in at The Haven in St Owen Street, Hereford.

Text: HFDT88 plus amount to 70070

Credit cards: Can be paid by phone at 01432 361061 or online through The Haven website www.thehaven.org.uk

- Call The Haven on 01432 361061 for further information.