Falkirk cancer patients helped by Macmillan charity

Cancer patients in the Falkirk and Stirling turned to charity for help dealing with the financial impact of cancer, amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
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During 2020 Macmillan gave just over £37,500 in hardship grants to people with cancer in Falkirk and Stirling, meaning over 120 people in the area were able to pay for home comforts and essentials, such as heating their homes, travel to hospital appointments, bedding and clothing.

Macmillan grants are means-tested, one-off payments of £350 aimed at helping people living with cancer on low incomes.

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Across Scotland Macmillan gave out £1.2m in grants to help pay for basic necessities.

Macmillan.Macmillan.
Macmillan.

Almost £457,000 was given out to help cancer patients stay warm, while another £370,000 was awarded to help cancer patients buy new clothes, often needed due to a change in their body shape as a result of treatment.

Around £150,000 was given to people with cancer to help them afford new beds, mattresses and bedding, while around £85,500 went to cover hospital travel costs.

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Head of Macmillan in Scotland, Janice Preston, said: “At a time they should be focusing on their health, too many people with cancer are thinking about how they’ll pay their rent or afford petrol to get to hospital. I’m pleased that despite the substantial drop in our income due to covid, we were able to give grants to so many people in urgent need of help.

“As well as providing one-off grants, we can also help people claim all the government benefits they are entitled to, helping them cope with the longer term impact of cancer. I’d urge anyone with cancer who is struggling with the unexpected cost of cancer to contact Macmillan now.”

The Scottish Government and Macmillan both pledged £9m to spread this support across the country, and the recent cancer recovery plan recognised its continued importance in a post-covid world.

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To get support or information, including about Macmillan grants call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (open seven days a week or visit www.macmillan.org.uk.

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