£1.4m raised for people with cancer in Wiltshire

Macmillan Cancer Support and the Wiltshire Citizens Advice are celebrating having raised £1,477,388 for people affected by cancer, in the three years of their partnership.

The Wiltshire Macmillan Citizens Advice Service was set up in January 2009 and within the first three years the Macmillan Advisers have been in contact with 633 clients who have been affected by a cancer diagnosis. In 2011 alone the service raised £568,598 for 268 clients. This includes benefits payments and also one off grants which are lifelines for patients not eligible for benefits but who need financial support.

The service has proven to be invaluable to patients, providing advice and assistance to people affected by cancer at a time when they are struggling with problems such as increased fuel bills and hospital transportation costs, often made more difficult because of a loss of income due to treatment.

Alyson Taylor, a Macmillan Benefits Adviser at the CAB in Salisbury 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 01722 421277 to arrange a face to face appointment or for advice over the phone. You can also contact the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00 for practical and  emotional support or visit www.macmillan.org.uk/financialsupport|.