£1.3m raised for people with cancer in Warwickshire

Macmillan and the Bedworth, Rugby and Nuneaton Citizens Advice Bureau (BRANCAB) are celebrating having raised over £1,315,099 for people affected by cancer, in 18 months.

The Macmillan BRANCAB Service was set up in July 2010 and within the first 18 months the Macmillan Advisers have been in contact with 429 clients who have been affected by a cancer diagnosis. It has proven to be invaluable to patients, providing advice and assistance on issues such as welfare benefits and entitlements, employment, debts and hospital costs.

Included in the money raised is the successful application for Macmillan grants totalling £39,152. The grants are often applied for by advisers on behalf of the client, they are a one off payment and, amongst other things, can be used to help towards buying new clothes for someone who has lost or gained a lot of weight due to a cancer diagnosis, buy a wig or buy a liquidiser to prepare meals for people who cannot consume solid food due to side effects of treatment.

Shanaz Ali, a Macmillan Project Caseworker at the CAB said, 'The service has been a real success. The majority of people we see are so worried about their finances it is seriously affecting their quality of life which can have a negative effect on the success of their treatment. By giving them advice and, where appropriate, helping them obtain benefits they are entitled to we can really improve their lives and remove a big worry from them and their families.'

If you are struggling to cope with the practical impact of cancer you can access the service by calling 02476 642690 to arrange a face to face appointment or for advice over the phone. You can also contact the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00 for practical and  emotional support or visit www.macmillan.org.uk/financialsupport|.