The impact of your donations to Macmillan
Find out how your support means we can continue to do whatever it takes for people living with cancer.
Cancer is not going anywhere. And neither are we. Macmillan is needed now more than ever.
There are almost 3.5 million people living with cancer in the UK today, and more than 360,000 are diagnosed every year. Thanks to our fundraisers, donors, volunteers and supporters, we're able to provide essential services, care and guidance to people affected by cancer.
We won’t rest or settle for anything other than the best possible support for people living with cancer. In 2023, we were able to reach a staggering 2.3 million people affected by cancer. We also help millions more through our information and support resources.
Millions of people living with cancer are counting on us for help with managing bills, going through treatment, or with how they're feeling. Thanks to you, we can continue to be there for them. Thank you for making this possible.
In 2023, we estimate that 2.3m people were reached by Macmillan services. We also helped millions more through our information and support resources.
Naveed was diagnosed with a rare heart cancer in 2016.
“I was very grateful for Macmillan. I had to apply for Universal Credit by they didn’t believe that I was waiting for treatment. I appealed through Macmillan, via the Macmillan Support Line. They gave their time straightaway and said they’d do it for me.
My case went to the courts and Macmillan continued to fight for me. I had been lonely, looking for help and advice where to turn. This was all playing on my mind, but Macmillan helped me in so many ways”.
In 2023, we helped secure millions in benefits through the advice provided by our Macmillan Support Line and £310 million through our local Welfare Rights Services. Our financial Guidance team supported almost 15,000 people living with cancer.
You help people like Joe get emotional support
Joe was diagnosed with cancer in 2020. When Joe was struggling with the emotional impact of his diagnosis during the first Covid lockdown, his sister nudged him in Macmillan’s direction. He was paired with a Macmillan buddy, Arthur, who gave him the opportunity to open up about his feelings – an experience that Joe describes as transformative.
“Macmillan is a real lifeline to me. It dramatically changed how I felt when I was going through a difficult time and when I was very isolated. The support was transformative for my mental health”.
In 2023, the Macmillan Buddies service offered over 38,000 support sessions to over 3,500 people.
You help ensure our Macmillan nurses are there to help people like Louise
Louise was diagnosed with melanoma in 2016, basal cell carcinoma in 2018 and then later diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019. During her first diagnosis, she met Claire, a Macmillan Nurse. “Claire was just brilliant. She was happy to receive a call whenever, or I’ll email her. I’ll even just email her photos and say, ‘I’m not sure about this.’ You are never made to feel like you’re bothering her.”
Before her second operation, Louise visited the Horizon Centre, where she met Nikki, a Macmillan Thoracic Nurse. “She was amazing and had answers about my aftercare. Macmillan fill those massive gaps when you’re given the bombshell news. They make you feel you can ask away and if they don’t have the answers, they will find out for you.”
After her lung cancer diagnosis, Louise again accessed the Macmillan Horizon Centre, a support centre in Sussex. “We walked in, and the lady we spoke with was amazing and so kind. I had counselling and attended the Hope Course. I know they’re there if I need them.”
In 2023, our Macmillan Nurses, Support Workers and Palliative Care Nurses reached approximately 730,000 people living with cancer as they went through diagnosis, treatment, follow-up or end of life care.