A Dorset resident who fought cancer is backing an appeal for a new haven for families of children and young people with the disease.

Rachel Bobeckyj, who lives in Bridport, was 10 years old when she was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in October, 1994.

Rachel underwent 14 rounds of chemotherapy, radiotherapy treatment and surgery, and became the first person in the world in February, 1995 to have a bag of saline put in her stomach to move her bladder, bowls and ovaries out of the way of the radiotherapy rays.

She sadly relapsed in 1997, but thankfully finished her treatment and was given the all-clear in 1998.

During this time, Rachel's family stayed in a 'home from Home' called CLIC Haven, provided by CLIC Sargent, a cancer charity for children and young people near to Southampton Hospital.

The haven provides a space where families can stay for free to be near their child, providing a vital lifeline for families.

Rachel said: "I think my sister's mental health would have suffered if she hadn't had the option to stay with me.

"And mine definitely would have suffered if Dad wasn't able to stay.

"CLIC Haven helps hold families together whilst a child goes through the most horrendous ordeal that can not just go on for months, but for years in some cases."

The charity has now launched a fundraising appeal to transform a former bed and breakfast into a new haven.

Jean's House, will be opened this autumn,and it is hoped that the new facility will replacing the old one, which opened in 1991.

Southampton City Council granted planning permission last October, and the charity has launched a fundraising appeal to cover the £1.6 million cost for buying and fully adapting the building.

More than £1.2 million has been raised so far, thanks to support from Children with Cancer UK, Signet and Sir Jules Thorne Charitable Trust.

CLIC Sargent is seeking to raise the remaining £400,000 to fully renovate the house.

Rachel said: "I really hope that everyone in Bridport backs this appeal because CLIC Haven was a lifeline to families like ours at the worst time.

"It made a huge difference to us."

Liz Blunt, fundraising and engagement manager for Dorset, said: "With the public's support, we will transform the property into a welcoming haven for families like Rachel's going through a really tough time.

"Jean's House has been specially-designed to be bigger and better than before, offering more space and comfort for families.

"We are asking for the public's help to house even more families in desperate need, saving them hundreds of pounds and bringing crucial home comforts in a time of great turmoil."

If you would like to fundraise for the appeal, email Liz.Blunt@clicsargent.org.uk