Cancer sufferer forced to shield thanks Macmillan for cash ‘lifeline’
A WOMAN from Worcester who had to shield during the pandemic while she received chemotherapy has thanked the charity that supported her.
Linda Phyall works in the GP surgery and was diagnosed with a form of blood cancer in 2017.
During the coronavirus pandemic, she had to shield and go on leave as she still receives chemotherapy, leaving her worried about being able to pay her bills after her pay was halved.
To support her, Macmillan Cancer Support gave her a grant to help her through the tough times.
She said: “I contacted Macmillan at the beginning of January looking for help and advice. I was worried how we were going to pay our bills and buy food.
“When I spoke to Macmillan, they mentioned the service which might be able to help. It was not long before I received the grant which took a lot of financial pressure off us.
“The money from the grant went towards our household bills and food.”
Macmillan grants are one-off payments of £350 helping people living with cancer on low or reduced incomes.
They are means-tested, with more than £45,000 being given out by the charity in total in Worcestershire.
The grants meant more than 150 people in the county were able to pay for home comforts and essentials such as heating and electricity bills, travelling to hospital appointments, bedding and clothing.
Macmillan caseworker Andrew Nye said: “As the current lockdown continues, we want to remind everyone that Macmillan is here to help, whatever it takes.
“One way is with a Macmillan grant to help pay for the little things that can make a big difference to the lives of people living with cancer, especially at the moment. Imagine your washing machine has broken, or you can’t pay your heating bill, or you need to buy a blender because cancer treatment means you are having trouble eating but you can’t afford one.
“It’s these basics that a Macmillan grant can help pay for, making someone’s life that bit easier when they need it most, and it’s all thanks to our supporters.”
Macmillan Cancer Support gave over £9.2million in hardship grants last year to help people with cancer struggling with the pandemic’s financial impact and the unexpected costs cancer can bring.
For comprehensive cancer information and support, including Macmillan’s latest guidance on the impact of coronavirus on cancer care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk.
Source: WorcesterNews By Tom Banner
Support families fighting financial toxicity of cancer – here.