Purley has been swathed in purple this week, as local businesses, schools and organisations support the South East Cancer Help Centre’s “Paint Purley Purple”  campaign.

Local MP Chris Philp, second from left (not second from right) cuts the ribbon for the start of Paint Purley Purple

This is the second year that the centre has held its PPP campaign, to raise awareness about the work it does in the local community, while also raising funds for its vital services.

Chris Philp, the local MP, cut the ribbon to mark the start of the week.

“SECHC does fantastic work helping cancer sufferers in the neighbourhood and I am delighted to support PPP,” he said.

Purley shops have been participating in PPP by adorning their windows with purple-themed displays, wearing purple while serving customers, producing purple-coloured cakes, selling purple-coloured vegetables, holding raffles and having lots of fun while helping a worthwhile cause.

Community fundraiser Eleanor Appleton said, “I am so excited to see Purley Painted Purple, the local businesses have been so supportive. I am confident that we can smash last year’s fundraising total. The charity does such fantastic work and more people should know about us and the services we provide.”

There is still time to take part in the week’s events, including, on Saturday morning, joining in with the Pop Choir when they sing outside Tesco Purley.

If you would like to make a personal donation please go to www.justgiving.com/cancerhelp.

SECHC, which has local NHS recognition, can be found in the Tesco Development, 2 Purley Road, Purley, CR8 2HA.

Hypnotherapy, Reiki, Aromatherapy, Mindfulness Meditation and Reflexology are just some of the therapies available. Activities include yoga, tai chi, drama, relaxation, and arts and crafts. SECHC offers bereavement, family, telephone and individual counselling sessions and there are various support groups including specific ones for carers and those with ovarian, bowel, prostate, or breast cancer.

For more information about how to help raise funds for SECHC call Eleanor Appleton on 020 8668 0974 or e-mail her at Eleanor.appleton@sechc.org.uk

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