Person in fingerless gloves knitting

Macmillan's Winter Gift Guide

Thousands of people living with cancer in the UK feel that they just ‘can’t afford life’, with many in financial crisis due to the rising cost-of-living and the extra and often unexpected costs that a cancer diagnosis can bring.

What people living with cancer need is a financial lifeline - a rapid payment to meet their immediate needs and relieve some of the unrelenting financial pressure. What people need is a Macmillan Grant. 
Donate now

How your donation could help

The items in our gift guide represent 10 of the most common uses of Macmillan Grants. A donation of the cost of one of these items will go directly towards funding Macmillan Grants and supporting people living with cancer through this difficult time.

10 miles of petrol

For people with cancer and their loved ones who need to drive to appointments, the extra cost of things like petrol and parking charges can really add up. 

Donating £5 could help someone get to and from their appointments comfortably, really helping them with their prognosis. 

 

A book

Spending time on hobbies that you love is so important, especially when facing the burden of a cancer diagnosis.  

Donating £10 could be used by someone with cancer to give them some joy and ensure they feel like themselves as much as possible, for example buying a great new book.  

Toiletries

Cancer treatment can compromise a person’s immune system. Good hygiene is therefore vital for avoiding infection, but many people with cancer are struggling to afford these essentials. 

Donating £15 could go towards buying a toiletry pack to help them with their hygiene.  
Person in fingerless gloves knitting

A blanket

Heating is the number one issue people with cancer call our support line asking for financial support with. Many people can feel the cold a lot more when going through treatment. 

Donating £20, the cost of a blanket, could help keep someone going through cancer treatment warm this winter. 

A train ticket

With so many journeys to and from the hospital for treatment and appointments, the cost of public transport can quickly add up.

Donating £40 could help someone with cancer with the cost of a return train ticket to get to their appointment.

Clothing

Many people can experience significant changes to their body as they go through cancer treatment. Clothing that doesn’t fit properly can impact a person’s wellbeing and self-confidence. Ill-fitting clothing can also be uncomfortable and rub on surgery sites and skin, which can become very sensitive due to the side effects of treatment.

Donating £50 could help someone to buy a few new items of clothing to make them feel comfortable this winter. 

A wig

Hair loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment. For many people hair is an important part of their identity and can impact their sense of self and self-confidence greatly.  

Donating £80 could go towards buying a wig for someone living with cancer to help them feel more like themselves.  

A mattress or bedding

Many people experience fatigue as they go through treatment, with some people finding it difficult to get to sleep. Some also experience incontinence and night sweats. A new mattress or bedding can help make a huge difference to people feeling more comfortable and to getting a better night’s sleep as they go through treatment and recovery. 

Donating £100 could go towards buying a new mattress for someone with cancer.

An armchair

Cancer treatment can leave patients feeling weak and exhausted. A comfortable place to sit and relax when they need it most could help make all the difference to their recovery. 

Donating £200 could go towards buy an armchair for someone living with cancer. 

A washing machine

When you’re going through cancer treatment it is important to keep bedding and clothes clean due to increased risk of infection. 

Donating £250 could go towards buying a washing machine and improve the day-to-day living of someone with cancer. 

Disclaimer:

Funds from your donation to the Winter Gift Guide won’t be limited to the specific gift you choose but will go towards funding Macmillan Grants, supporting people living with cancer. In the unlikely event that we raise more money than we can spend on Macmillan Grants, your donation will instead go to support Macmillan’s wider work for people living with cancer

Support for you

If you are affected by cancer and you are worried about money, there is help available.
A person with red painted fingernails putting their hands up against a radiator.A person with red painted fingernails putting their hands up against a radiator.
Macmillan Grants
Macmillan Grants are small, one-off means-tested payments to help with the extra costs that living with cancer can bring. Find out how to apply.
A hand receiving money from a cash machine.A hand receiving money from a cash machine.
Benefits and financial support
A cancer diagnosis can change your financial situation. But depending on your situation, you may be able to get benefits or other financial support.
Louise, a Macmillan financial guide sitting at her desk wearing a headset. She is looking at the camera.Louise, a Macmillan financial guide sitting at her desk wearing a headset. She is looking at the camera.
Financial Guidance

Our specialist Financial Guidance service help you with financial support if you are not sure what might be best in your situation. Find out how to speak to someone.

Get more help