Macmillan Cancer Support helped many people in urgent financial need during 2014, with 58 Isle of Wight cancer patients receiving a Macmillan grant last year to help them with costs arising from their treatment.
New figures from the charity highlight the financial isolation that often follows a cancer diagnosis. Patients on the Island received £18,938 for vital essentials such as heating bills, clothing and transport costs, as well as practical household items like recliner chairs – a huge 64.7% increase on 2013.
Research by Macmillan also found that four out of five people are, on average, £570 a month worse off as a result of a cancer diagnosis.
Sue Alford, Service Manager at Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Macmillan Citizens Advice service said of the record numbers:
“The latest grants figures demonstrate the dramatic financial impact cancer has on the lives of patients and their loved ones.
‘People undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment should not have the additional worry of how to pay for absolute basics such as heating their home, or bedding to keep warm.
“An Isle of Wight client was living on the minimum benefits and waiting for his full entitlement to be confirmed and paid. He had very little furniture in his rented flat and no resources. The Macmillan grant was a lifeline that helped him to keep warm, eat well and maintain his hospital attendance for treatment over the waiting period.”
Every week, over 634 people in the UK receive a grant from Macmillan Cancer Support. Macmillan relies on public donations to continue providing this vital financial support to people affected by cancer. To donate to Macmillan Cancer Support, please call 0300 1000 200 or visit macmillan.org.uk/donate.
Macmillan grants are just one of the ways Macmillan can help with the cost of cancer. For more information about financial support available to patients, please call freephone 0808 808 0000.
