The Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP is a long-standing friend and backer of The Haven, and played a key role in bringing it to Hampshire following a visit to their original centre in Fulham back in 2011.
Steve, who co-chaired the All Party Group for Breast Cancer, said he was delighted that the funding will lead to the creation of a new Haven centre in Solihull to provide the care and support needed in the region as well as to cover the running costs of the newly opened Wessex Haven right here in Hampshire.
The West Midlands had already been selected as the location for potential new Haven, due to the incidence of breast cancer patients compared with other areas that Clinical Team has evaluated; in conjunction with the location of the four existing Havens.
Steve Brine said: "One of the most interesting things I have learnt in recent years is how breast cancer 'clusters' in certain areas. We, sadly, have such a cluster here in the south, and I know that with more than 2,100 breast cancer patients each year within a 35 mile radius of Solihull, The Haven already has overwhelming endorsement from healthcare professionals in the Heart of England Trust for the creation of a new centre there.
"I was so proud when The Haven recently opened its newest centre in Titchfield, which is to the benefit of so many people not only across Winchester & Chandler's Ford, but the entire district. I know that this sum announced by the Chancellor will contribute to the running of The Haven, including service delivery, which costs around £465,000 each year."
Working in close conjunction with the NHS, The Haven offers a wide range of emotional, physical and practical support which includes complementary therapies, counselling, nutritional advice, exercise classes, financial advice and support groups for visitors and their families suffering from breast cancer.
The Haven's CEO, Pamela Healy, OBE said: "This news announced is literally a game-changer for The Haven. It is also the best possible news for people affected by breast cancer. We know that we have a service that is so often life changing for so many women and their families who are going through the toughest time of their lives. But we need to ensure that more people can benefit from our vital support services. That is why we have embarked on an ambitious expansion programme to open more centres around the country.
"We are absolutely thrilled with the Chancellor's substantial donation which is a huge boost to that expansion programme as it is helping our newest Haven in Wessex establish itself and it is creating a brand new facility in the West Midlands. Words cannot express how delighted we are that the Government has recognised the importance of our work. Thank you, thank you and thank you again."
Pictured; Steve Brine visits The Haven in Fulham, in 2011
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Steve visits The Haven in Fulham in 2011
The Haven charity fashion show in 2013