Macmillan helps more than 600 Glasgow cancer patients in lockdown

During 2020 Macmillan gave £218,000 in hardship grants to people with cancer in the city, supporting more than 660 to pay for home comforts and essentials, such as heating their homes, travel to hospital appointments, bedding and clothing.

Anthony Crawford was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2020 and, for the first time in his life, he was unable to work.

The 56-year-old turned to Macmillan for financial help, having initially been reluctant to admit he needed support.

Anthony, a railway contract supervisor, said: “I’ve worked for 40 years, so it’s not easy when suddenly one day you’re told you have cancer and your whole situation changes – it’s like being hit with a brick.

“I have now received a Macmillan grant and that has been a huge help to me.

“I’m not great with email so Macmillan helped with the filling out of forms, for universal credit and personal independence payments.

“As soon as I was put in touch with Macmillan, everything I needed was being taken care of.

“They have been absolutely fabulous to me; I honestly don’t know what I would have done without them.

“You don’t realise the help you need until you are in a situation like this.

Anthony Crawford

“I was a little reluctant at first to accept help, but everyone kept telling me I should take it and that I’m not receiving anything I’m not entitled to.”

Anthony, from Pollokshaws, had initially been suffering from back pain and had difficulty breathing and knew something wasn’t quite right.

After contacting his doctor, he was sent for an x-ray and a scan – a few weeks later he was diagnosed.

He said: “Sadly, I’m not able to get out and about with the pandemic which is hard because I’m just stuck inside all day and night, but hopefully soon that will change.

“I’ve had my vaccination and so has my mum, who’s 83 years old. I have support from her, my sister and other family, so I’m very thankful for that.”

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.

Around £150,000 was given to people with cancer to help them afford new beds, mattresses and bedding, while around £85,500 went to cover hospital travel costs.

Tracey Cochran, part of the Macmillan Glasgow Improving the Cancer Journey service, said: “The grants offer a lifeline to a lot of people.

“A cancer diagnosis has a profound effect on someone not just practically and emotionally but also financially.

“The Macmillan grant is a one-off payment of £350 that helps with the extra costs a cancer diagnosis can bring. It can pay for an energy bill, it could be new bedding, new clothes because that person may have lost or gained weight due to treatment. Each person’s case is unique and everyone has different needs.

“People find themselves quite often no longer able to work following a diagnosis, and like Anthony have worked their whole life and never needed to ask for help before, so it’s a huge step for them taking that support. Most people aren’t even aware of what they’re entitled to.

“That’s what we’re here for, to take away that worry, any anxiety and try to make everything a bit easier for people. To find out what their needs are and discuss how we can support them throughout their cancer journey.

“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.

“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. Macmillan are only a phone call away and are waiting to help you.”

Ahead of the Scottish Parliament election in May, Macmillan is urging political parties and candidates to back the Scotland-wide rollout of a pioneering model of cancer support.

The charity says its vital everyone diagnosed with cancer is offered an assessment of their financial, emotional and practical needs, followed by high quality support.

The Scottish Government and Macmillan both pledged £9m to spread this support across the country, and the recent cancer recovery plan recognised its continued importance in a post-covid world.

Head of Macmillan in Scotland, Janice Preston, 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 see www.macmillan.org.uk