MEMBERS of a cancer support centre have expressed their gratitude towards a Christmas house display that is raising money for their service.

But they have also called on the public to help keep their centre open, as they could face risk of closing next year.

Waterside Cancer Support Centre in Hythe, alongside three other Wessex Cancer Trust centres in Hampshire, will close if they do not raise £600,000 by January 31 2020.

The service also provides support to people with cancer and their families in Chandler's Ford, Bournemouth and Isle of Wight.

Now, founder of the Waterside centre June Richens and volunteers Sheila Langley and Ann Mcdonald urge people to donate so they can keep supporting people with cancer.

They visited a Christmas house display in Ocknell Grove to pledge their campaign, where Gavin Rogers is raising money for the charity.

Residents of the home, in Hythe, open their front and back garden each Christmas and have raised around £2,000 in donations over the last three years - but this year, their donations will go towards saving the self-funded charity.

June said: "Everyone at Waterside Cancer Support Centre just appreciates - so much - Gavin's family, who are locals, supporting the centre. His support is terrific.

"Gavin has been absolutely amazing and we so appreciate what he has done for us. This is the third year now that he has raised funds for us."

Volunteer and befriender, Ann Mcdonald said: "I've known Gavin for a long long time. I know the whole family and to do all of this for cancer is absolutely great."

It is the charity's first crisis appeal in 40 years - and they have turned to the public as a "last resort".

Also a befriender and volunteer, Sheila Langley said: "I'm sure that every other centre would say the same as us. We want to make sure and do everything we can to keep Waterside running as a cancer support centre. We have so many wonderful people who have come to us in need and supported us."

The charity plummeted into a financial crisis after they faced an increase in demand for their services.

They also were hit by a 65 percent reduction in donation will gifts and a 15 percent decrease in their charity shop sales, while a large promised donation fell through.

They have raised over £69,000 so far and continue to ask the public for donations.

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