Macmillan provides over £76,000 in grants to people living with cancer in Derry and Strabane

Over 250 in the area were able to pay for home comforts and essentials, such as hearing their homes, travel to hospital appointments, bedding and clothing.

The highest number of grants in the Derry and Strabane area were given to peoplle living with breast cancer.

Across the North, the charity gave over £522,3001 in hardship grants in 2020 to help people with cancer struggling with the financial impact of the Covid pandemic and the unexpected costs cancer can bring.

The charity’s grants are available to anyone living with cancer in the Derry and Strabane area facing financial difficulties, thanks to donations from the public.

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

They can be a huge help especially when many cancer patients are having to shield during the current lockdown by paying for things like a new washing machine or going towards energy bills.

The charity reports that more than a third of people with cancer are severely financially impacted by their diagnosis.

Macmillan expects their grants will continue to be a vital safety net for many and will become more in demand than ever as many families deal with the double blow of a cancer diagnosis and the financial impact of the pandemic.

The charity is facing a huge drop in fundraised income due to Covid-19 and donations are needed more than ever before.

Janice Preston, Head of Partnerships for Macmillan in Northern Ireland said: “As the current lockdown continues, we want to remind everyone that Macmillan is here to help, whatever it takes. One way is with a Macmillan grant to help pay for the little things that can make a big difference to the lives of people living with cancer, especially at the moment.

“Imagine your washing machine has broken, or you can’t pay your heating bill, or you need to buy a blender because cancer treatment means you are having trouble eating but you can’t afford one. It’s these basics that a Macmillan grant can help pay for, making someone’s life that bit easier when they need it most, and it’s all thanks to our supporters.”

Janice added “If you are struggling to meet the extra costs of cancer, I’d urge you to call Macmillan to see if you are eligible for a grant and the rest of the support on offer. We are only a phone call away and are waiting to help you.”

To find out more about Macmillan grants, including who can apply, call the Macmillan Benefits Service in Northern Ireland on 0300 1 233 233 or email: [email protected]