Cancer support centre, Jane Scarth House, has been in existence for over 20 years. It was founded in memory of Romsey resident and mother of two, Jane Scarth, whose family continues to be heavily involved with the work of the charity. With growing numbers of people relying on the charity, the premises became too small and presented inaccessibility issues for people with limited mobility. Jane Scarth House’s primary goal is to provide emotional and practical support to anyone whose life is affected by cancer, whether it be the person living with cancer, or a family member, close friend, carer or partner. To carry out these aims the charity was kindly offered an alternative single storey premises right in the centre of Romsey. The new location was still too small for the charity to fulfil its needs as a replacement Jane Scarth House, however, an application for planning permission was swiftly submitted to extend the new premises and after few minor adjustments it was quickly approved.
The project got off to a speedy start. Planning permission was submitted in September 2016, the lease was signed in November, and groundworks began on 1st of March this year. To help support the project build 3,000 Michelmersh Hampshire Stock Red Multi ATR bricks were delivered free of charge by the British manufacturer, travelling only 3 miles from the Romsey based factory to the site.
Sue Jones, Trustee of Jane Scarth House said: “As a leading local company with a product that we knew we’d need, one of the first companies we approached was Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC. They immediately offered us all the bricks we required for the extension, which we are extremely grateful for.”
The team at Jane Scarth House have been enormously successful in mobilising a ‘Jane’s Army’ of building material donors and tradesmen to construct the extension, building on the superb support that it currently receives from the people of Romsey.
Frank Hanna, Joint Chief Executive Officer of Michelmersh, commented: “We are pleased to have been able to support this vital local charity, with their new extension, our Hampshire Stock bricks were a great match for the project. We all appreciate the dedicated work of the charity and we’re sure that this project will mean a lot to the people of Romsey, we look forward to the new facility being officially opened this summer.”
Sue continues to seek pledges of support, stating: “We are still very appreciative of any offers of help with the extension project, and welcome any donations that will help us fund the much-valued support that we provide for local cancer sufferers and their family and friends from the house.”
If you wish to be included in ‘Jane’s Army’ and want to offer support, please contact Sue Jones and the team by phone on 07836 202022 or email janesarmy@janescarthhouse.co.uk
Photograph (top) by Romsey Advertiser
