Purley will be covered in purple for a week as part of a cancer fundraising campaign starting this Friday.

Paint Purley Purple (PPP), run by Purley based South East Cancer Help Centre (SECHC), is calling on local shops, businesses, schools, organisations and residents to hold purple-themed cancer fundraising events or activities from October 19-26.

Volunteers have already begun covering trees in purple knitting, bunting and ribbons.

Wendy Ager, Community Fundraiser at SECHC, explained, “We are making a bigger impact this year, by stepping up the guerrilla knitting, encouraging even more businesses, shops, schools and clubs joining in to raise awareness as well as fundraising for the Centre.

“As a small charity, we have to raise all our own funds to support people locally so it’s a great way of bringing people in our area together, and it’s important that everyone knows we are here for them if they are affected by cancer”.

Laura Hamilton, presenter of Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun, visited the Centre recently, pledging her support.

Laura said: “I’ve been really touched by what I experienced when I visited the Centre, which is very close to where I live.

“They offer an incredible amount of help for those affected by cancer, and their family members and carers.

“I will be fully supporting South East Cancer Help Center both personally and through my business, The Lord Roberts on the Green".

Laura is taking a leading role in the charity’s campaign and hosting at their Charity Ball on Saturday October 27 at Farleigh Golf Club.

The Centre, which has local NHS recognition, offers bereavement, family, telephone and individual counselling sessions and support groups for people suffering specific types of cancer.

Massage, hypnotherapy, reiki, aromatherapy, and reflexology therapies are also available as well as activities such as yoga, Tai Chi, drama, relaxation, and arts & crafts.

The public are being encouraged to share their efforts on social media using the hashtag #PaintPurleyPURPLE.

For more information visit: www.sechc.org.uk