A CANCER charity in Hampshire is urging people to get their best and brightest colours out to save them from possible closure.

Wessex Cancer Trust will host a Wear It Bright day this January, just days before their deadline to raise £600,000 by January 31.

To raise money for the charity’s crisis appeal - as they face risk of having to close their support services in Chandler’s Ford, Hythe, Bournemouth and Isle of Wight - they are asking people to don their sunniest tops, happiest shoes and most vibrant accessories on Friday January 24.

They have also put together some other bright ideas to help people raise money on the day, such as baking and selling brightly coloured cakes, guessing the number of sweets in a jar or holding a joke-telling competition.

The charity, which has been supporting local families for almost 40 years, has seen a 30 percent increase in demand for its services this year.

It has also been hit by a 65 percent reduction in people leaving a gift in their will, while the decline in the high street has seen its shop sales fall by 15 percent.

Then after a large gift that was promised to the charity fell through, the support service were hit by its first major crisis - and the public are being asked for help.

CEO Cait Allen said: “With the festive season over and no sign of spring in sight, many of us feel a bit glum in January. We want January 24 to be the happiest day of the year.

“Wear it Bright gives you the opportunity to create colourful communities and spread some New Year cheer, as well as raising money to save local services for anyone living with cancer.”

They have raised at least £140,000 so far.

The charity supports around 11,000 people each year by providing a drop-in service, professional counselling, complementary therapies, activities, and support groups.

It also runs outreach services, popular Sing for Life choirs and transport on its Daisy Buses to help patients get to their hospital appointments.

To sign up for Wear It Bright, visit www.wessexcancer.org.uk/Event/wear-it-bright-2020.

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