A PAIR of acupuncturists are launching a new cancer charity which will give patients support when they are diagnosed.

Liz Lee, from Pangbourne, and her colleague Mandy Barter, from Aldworth, held a coffee morning at St Bernadette’s Church to launch My Cancer My Choices last Saturday.

The idea was inspired by Mrs Barter’s own experiences after she was diagnosed with breast cancer more than five years ago.

The charity plans to open a centre for people who have just discovered they have the disease, with a range of treatments available including homeopathy, massage, reflexology and counselling.

More than 100 people attended the coffee morning, which raised around £1,600.

Mrs Lee said: “It’s a work in progress at the moment. The response has been fantastic and it’s inspired us to move forward quickly.

“People can come along and have their treatment if they want to.

“It will create a supportive network of people to chat to, as well as offering advice on lifestyle choices, such as dietary requirements, if they need them.

“Similar centres have been set up in Oxford and Guildford, and we think Reading should have one.”

The pair are currently searching for a base for the centre across Reading and West Berkshire.