A CHARITY that provides free complementary therapies for cancer patients has made a plea for public support.

Cancer Support Scotland, which is due to move into a new purpose-built centre next to Glasgow's Gartnavel Hospital in September, still needs £90,000 to complete toe project.

The Calman Cancer Support Centre, will allow the charity to treble its services, offering support for 1400 patients a year.

The charity has raised £300,000 to build the centre but needs a final £90,000 to kit it out.

Members of the public, patients and relatives are being encouraged to 'buy a brick' to show their support.

There are almost 1000 virtual bricks available for a minimum donation of £50.

Supporters will have their name on a plaque in the new private terraced garden.

Donors giving £250 or more will have their name engraved on a glass wall in reception.

The new centre, formerly Gartnavel Chapel, is under restoration by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust.

In May the charity suffered a major setback after thieves stole around £5000 worth of tools from its under-construction new home.

When builders arrived at the site, they found drills, sanders, a jigsaw cutter and a router had been taken.

Marilyn Haq, 71, from Dennistoun, attends the Springburn Support Group once a month and has backed the Buy-A-Brick campaign.

She said: "It's lovely to meet friends and have a wee chat - it helps when you're not well to go somewhere and communicate with other people.

"The centre is going to be a big help to people and though I can't be a volunteer I can help out by buying a brick".

The new centre will also see additional therapy and counselling rooms, a Hair, Nail and Foot Salon, a Befriending Service and Skype Talking Therapy to support those in outlying areas.

Chief Executive Colin Graham said: "This is one of the most important years for Cancer Support Scotland since it was established back in 1980 by Sir Kenneth Calman.

"We're so close to our target and it would be great if as many people as possible could help u s out as we continue to support those affected by this terrible disease".

To buy a virtual brick call 0800 652 4531 or visit www.cancersupportscotland buyabrick.org