CANCER patients in West Devon are among those who sought urgent financial help from Macmillan Cancer Support in 2014.

Macmillan Cancer Support helped many people in urgent financial need during 2014, with 399 Devon cancer patients receiving a Macmillan grant last year to help them with costs arising from their treatment.

New figures from the charity highlight the financial isolation that often follows a cancer diagnosis. Patients in Devon received £120,554 for vital essentials such as heating bills, clothing and transport costs, as well as practical household items like recliner chairs — a 5.5% increase on 2013.

Research by Macmillan also found that four out of five people are, on average, £570 a month worse off as a result of a cancer diagnosis.

Ros Thomas, Macmillan and Citizens' Advice Bureau welfare benefits outreach caseworker for Torridge, North, Mid and West CAB, said of the record numbers: 'The latest grants figures demonstrate the dramatic financial impact cancer has on the lives of patients and their loved ones.

'People undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment should not have the additional worry of how to pay for absolute basics such as heating their home, or bedding to keep warm.

'I helped a client who was finding she needed to have the heating on for longer as the effects of her treatment meant that she felt the cold more. She also needed warmer bedding. 

'A Macmillan Grant was awarded to cover the additional heating costs and cost of a new duvet. 

'She had also lost a lot of weight through her illness and an additional amount was included in the grant to pay for new clothing.'

In 2014, Macmillan awarded more than £10-million in grants to 33,011 people across the UK. The Macmillan grants programme gives payments to cancer patients who have limited financial resources and are in need of immediate assistance, giving an average level of help of £303 per person assisted.

Rachel Hobbs, senior communications lead at Macmillan, said: 'There are 2.5-million people now living with and beyond cancer in the UK.

'And with this figure set to double by 2030, we believe that our next government needs to make cancer a priority.

'That's why Macmillan is urging all of the main political parties to commit to matching the best cancer outcomes in Europe by the end of the next parliament.

'Macmillan believes no one should face cancer alone and we urge any cancer patients who are struggling financially to contact our helpline to find what support is available to them.'

Every week, more than 634 people in the UK receive a grant from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Macmillan relies on public donations to continue providing this vital financial support to people affected by cancer. To donate to Macmillan Cancer Support, please call 0300 1000 200 or visit macmillan.org.uk/donate

Macmillan grants are just one of the ways Macmillan can help with the cost of cancer.

For more information about financial support available to patients, please call freephone 0808 808 0000.