MACMILLAN Cancer Support helped many people in urgent financial need in 2014, with 221 Somerset cancer patients receiving a grant 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 Somerset received £65,628 for essentials such as heating bills, clothing and transport costs, as well as practical household items like recliner chairs.

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

Carol Long from Crewkerne knows first-hand how vital the support is after being diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2014.

She said: “I had to pay a rent top up from my fortnightly ESA payment of £89, as well as try to eat and pay for heating on a key meter.

“I was finding it difficult to manage to live on such a low income and things became more difficult when my washing machine broke.

“I could not wash my clothes by hand because of physical health problems but could not afford to use the launderette either.

“Because of my illness I had lost weight and could not afford to purchase clothing or shoes because of my limited income.

“Ann at South Somerset Macmillan CAB helped me apply for a Macmillan grant.

“I was awarded a grant of £200 for a washing machine, £100 for heating costs and £80 for clothes.

“The grant made a considerable difference at a time when I was struggling financially and had additional expenses because of the cancer.

“I’m just very thankful to Macmillan for providing me with the grant.”

Macmillan welfare benefit caseworker Ann Cook said: “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.”

In 2014, Macmillan awarded more than £10million in grants to 33,011 people across the UK.

The Macmillan grants programme gives payments to cancer patients who have limited financial resources and need immediate assistance, providing an average level of help of £303 for every person assisted.

Macmillan helped more patients with clothing than with any other cost arising from having cancer.

This was followed by grants to help with the cost of fuel bills and the cost of travelling to and from hospital for treatment.

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

Macmillan relies on public donations to provide this vital financial support to people affected by cancer.

To donate to Macmillan Cancer Support, call 0300 1000 200 or visit macmillan.org.uk/donate.

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