SOME of Southampton’s best-known buildings will be in the pink today to mark the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Royal Pier, the 02 Guildhall and the Mayflower Theatre will be bathed in a pinkish glow in aid of Breast Cancer Haven Wessex.

The Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton and Hambrooks Garden Centre in Titchfield are also taking part in the project.

Breast Cancer Haven is a national charity which provides free, one-to-one emotional support and supportive therapies for people affected by breast cancer.

It has five flagship centres across the UK, including one at The Square, Titchfield.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign organised by major charities to increase awareness of the disease and fund research into its cause, prevention and cure.

Fundraising activities being staged during October as part of Breast Cancer Haven’s My Power Hour campaign include Pink Shirt Day and Pink Beard, which involves men “getting glittered” to raise awareness of male breast cancer.

A Breast Cancer Haven spokesman said: “In October the clocks go back and we all gain an extra hour.

“Through My Power Hour, which provides a host of one-hour fundraising ideas, Breast Cancer Haven demonstrates what fundraising can do to support those affected by breast cancer.

“In just one hour – and for as little as £40 - Breast Cancer Haven can really make a difference to a woman’s diagnosis.

“They can access an initial assessment with a healthcare professional, receive an hour of counselling, relieve difficult side effects of treatment through specialist therapies and gain practical advice on how to manage money and nutrition.”

One user of the service, who wants to be known only as Chris, said: “I was blown away by Breast Cancer Haven - the services provided by the team were fantastic.

“It made me feel safe and had a massive impact on me during treatment.

“Breast Cancer Haven was somewhere I knew I didn’t have to retell my tale to everybody. You can walk in, have a cup of tea, and just relax.”

Pamela Healy, the charity’s chief executive, added: “Every hour in the UK six women are diagnosed with breast cancer.

“This October, through our My Power Hour campaign, we’re challenging everyone to use the extra hour gained to support women with breast cancer.”

For more information go online and visit breastcancerhaven.org.uk/mypowerhour.