Cash to help cancer patients with financial pressures

The investment, which is being provided over three years, will help the Angus Welfare Rights Team to provide much-needed financial support to help people with cancer cope with the huge financial pressures many face as a result of the illness.

The charity has also been working hard to increase availability of grants for people with cancer.

Last year, Macmillan Cancer Support provided £22,300 in grants to 62 cancer patients in Angus to help pay for essentials, ranging from gas and electric bills to transport for hospital appointments.

A spokesperson for the Angus Welfare Rights team, which works in partnership with the charity, said: “People living with cancer have been particularly hit with the cost of living crisis and we know it is impacting all aspects of their life.

"No-one who has a life-threatening illness should have to worry about how to pay their bills or cover the costs of getting to hospital, but every day we hear from people facing these choices.

“Cancer comes with lots of unexpected costs and often a loss in income. Particularly for those who have never tried to navigate the benefits system before, it can feel like a maze, especially when someone is going through gruelling treatment or struggling to deal with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis.

“We want everyone with cancer to know we’re here to help make sure they get access to all the money they’re entitled to. I’d urge anyone with cancer to get in touch and see how we can help.”

Macmillan is investing more than £3 million to support welfare benefits services across Scotland as part of its pledge to help people living with cancer dealing with the deepening cost of living crisis.

A spokesperson for the charity said that support from the public has made the investment possible.

They said: “It is thanks to generous donations that Macmillan receives from people across the country that is allowing them to provide this much-needed support, and be there for people with cancer every step of the way.

“We’ll do whatever it takes. For information, support or just someone to talk to, call 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk.