A CHARITY, which supports people in the region with brain tumours, has opened a new office in Thornbury. On Wednesday Hammer Out's new premises at Oriel House. Castle Street, were officially opened by BBC Points presenter Sally Challoner.

Hammer Out was launched in March 2002 as a small fundraising group to raise awareness of brain tumours and the needs of those affected by them, as well as raising money for brain and cancer related charities.

Football

The name Hammer Out was created out of founder member Paul Mitchell's avid support of his football team - West Ham "The Hammers" United.

Mr Mitchell was diagnosed with a grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme brain tumour in July 2001 and died in January 2003, only weeks after his 37th birthday, leaving Tina, cofounder and chairman of the charity and young son John.

Hammer Out was then launched as a registered charity in March 2004 in Paul's memory and to date the charity had raised more than £150,000.

Mrs Mitchell said the move was needed as the previous premises were too small.

"You had to start somewhere but my study at home just became far too small to be able to cope with the demand," she said.

"These offices are perfect and it now means that volunteers, patients and supporters can come in without there being too much of a squash.

"We are really pleased with the move and it is a huge step forward for us as a charity to be in our own offices."

She added: "I cannot say a big enough thank you to Sally and all our local supporters for all that they do. Knowing that there are people out there in the community willing to help us fight this disease makes a huge difference to what we are able to achieve."

"Tina is just so fantastic," said Sally.

"She had this massive love for her husband and rather than just do nothing, she has taken all of that and put it into this charity and done something positive."

Fashion

The office opening is just one of the many events in the calendar of Hammer Out. There will be a fashion show at John Lewis, The Mall, on Tuesday, October 11 and a dinner dance at Thornburv Golf Club on Saturday, November 26.

For more details about the work of Hammer Out visit their website at www.hammerout.co.uk or call 01454 414355.