Financial help for patients with cancer

A total of 249 received a grant from the charity to help them with costs arising from their treatment.

New figures highlight the financial isolation that follows a cancer diagnosis.

Patients received more than £67,000 for essentials such as heating bills and transport costs as well as practical items like washing machines.

Macmillan’s senior development manager Nikki Cannon said: “People undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment should not have the additional worry of how to pay for absolute basics such as heating their homes or bedding to keep them warm.

“There are now 2.5 million people living with and beyond cancer in the UK. And with this figure set to double by 2030, we beieve that our next government needs to make cancer a priority.

“That’s why Macmillan is urging all of the main political parties to commit to matching the best cancer outcomes in Europe by the end of the next parliament.”

Last year the charity awarded more than £10 million in grants to 33,011 across the UK. The programme gives payments to patients with limited financial resources who are in need of immediate assistance.

Nikki said: “Macmillan believes no-one should face cancer alone and we urge any patients who are struggling financially to contact out helpline to find what support is available to them.”

> Macmillan grants are just one of the ways the charity helps with the cost of cancer. For more information call freephone 0808 808 0000.