Calls for a $3 million cancer resource centre in Bermuda were backed yesterday by one of the Island's leading charities that cares for people with the illness.

P.A.L.S., which provides a nursing and information service for patients and their families, said it was wholeheartedly behind the TB Cancer and Health Association's fund-raising drive to finance the project.

The organisation's chairman Jeanne Edridge said it was important for all of the Island's cancer resources to be based together, where they could be easily accessible for help, advice and support.

She said: "It would be very advantageous for the public to have resources in one place, pertaining to treatment centres overseas, treatment options, our hospice and support groups.

"P.A.L.S. would be one of those options available to people.'' Mrs. Edridge said it was important that people on the Island realised that P.A.L.S. was already there to provide people with information and support, as well as a nursing service for patients.

She added: "We want people to know that we are here. There is a presumption that all we do is hold the hands of the dying, but that is not true.

"We would like people to contact us as soon as they know they have cancer. We have a great deal of information we can give them and we can support not only them, but their families too.

"People are not alone when they have cancer.'' She said P.A.L.S. could advise people where to go for treatment and provide a listening ear and nursing care.

Mrs. Edridge added: "If people need to go off the Island for treatment, we are still here for them when they come back.

"It is important for people to realise that there are services here for them.'' The TB Cancer and Health Association launched its fund-raising appeal last month with a sold-out gala dinner featuring recording artist Peabo Bryson as the evening's entertainment.

For more information about P.A.L.S., to donate money to the charity or request help and advice, call 236-7257.