MORE than £33,000 was raised for Argyll and Bute people suffering with cancer and in financial hardship last year thanks to a national charity.

Macmillan Cancer Support awarded grants of around £21,100 to pay for heating or clothing and approximately £3,030 was given to people who were struggling to cover the cost of travelling to and from their appointments with costs that could not be reclaimed through their hospital.

The grants also covered the costs of other essentials to help manage the impact of their cancer, such as beds, chairs, kitchen appliances and washing machines.

Four out of five people living with cancer experience a financial impact, with an average cost in Scotland of £420 a month.

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In total, the charity gave grants to just under 5,000 people with cancer in Scotland last year, the highest proportion of which were in Glasgow.

Grants were most commonly given to people living with breast cancers.

Janice Preston, head of the charity’s services in Scotland, said: “Half of us will get cancer at some point in our lives so I’m pleased Macmillan awarded around £33,300 in grants last year to ease their money worries of people with cancer in Argyll and Bute.

“Cancer can affect so many parts of your life and our Macmillan grants, funded by our supporters, covered essentials from heating to travel costs for more than 200 people with cancer in Argyll and Bute in 2018 helping to make money one less worry.

“Grants are just one way Macmillan is there for people with cancer thanks to the public’s support and I’d urge anyone with cancer to get in touch to find out how we can support you.”

Macmillan offers grants to people with cancer who are struggling financially, have a limited income or savings.

To find out about the financial help on offer, call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 0000 or visit macmillan.org.uk/moneyworries.