Fife cancer patients receive hardship grant from charity

During 2020 Macmillan gave over £68,000 in hardship grants to people with cancer in Fife meaning over 215 people in the area were able to pay for home comforts and essentials, such as heating their homes, travel to hospital appointments, bedding and clothing.

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

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Across Scotland Macmillan gave out £1.2m in grants to almost 3700 people to help them pay for basic necessities.

Almost £457,000 was given out to help cancer patients stay warm, while another £370,000 was awarded to help cancer patients buy new clothes, often needed due to a change in their body shape as a result of treatment.

Janice Preston, head of Macmillan in Scotland, said: “At a time they should be focusing on their health, too many people with cancer are thinking about how they’ll pay their rent or afford petrol to get to hospital. I’m pleased that despite the substantial drop in our income due to covid, we were able to give grants to so many people in urgent need of help.

“As well as providing one-off grants, we can also help people claim all the government benefits they are entitled to, helping them cope with the longer term impact of cancer.

"I’d urge anyone with cancer who is struggling with the unexpected cost of cancer to contact Macmillan now.”

To get support or information, including about Macmillan grants call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (open seven days a week or visit www.macmillan.org.uk.

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