Cost of living crisis: Cancer patients suffer cold most of all

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Macmillan has given out more than £1million in grants over the past three months to desperate patients dreading their next energy payment. Many are being hit by a double whammy of financial pressures associated with their illness and the escalating cost of living.

The stark warning comes as the Government today unveils a package of support for up to 22 million customers affected by a higher energy price cap, leading to a steep rise in bills in April.

Rachel Ferguson, an energy adviser on Macmillan’s Support Line, told the Daily Express: “We have had people phoning us who are suicidal. We’ve had people who are having to choose between putting the heating on or having something to eat, so they’re choosing between freezing and starving.

“It’s really harrowing what has been happening and I feel as though it’s just going to get worse come April.”

Macmillan offers one-off grants, funded by donations, of £350 to help cancer patients with the extra costs a diagnosis can bring. These include home adaptations, the cost of travel to hospital and higher energy bills for patients who spend more time at home or to wash clothing and bedding more.

Research shows around 17 per cent of people with cancer see their fuel bills rise simply as a result of their diagnosis, with the average increase reaching £100 a month. Many are also forced to stop working.

Between the start of November and late January, the charity awarded grants to 4,816 people, with heating being the top reason it was needed.

One in four of those seeking help with heating were over 70. Most should have also had the statutory winter fuel payment, showing the severity of the crisis.

Ms Ferguson said the situation was now the worst she had seen.

She added: “There has been a massive increase in the volume of calls we’re getting, specifically to the energy advice team.

“There’s already a massive financial impact of a diagnosis of cancer on a household because of reduced income and increased costs.

“We’ve had people who on top of that have been told their bill is going to increase by over £100 a month come April.”

She added: “The people that we speak to can be sitting in jumpers with blankets wrapped around them because they’re just too scared to put their heating on.

“A lot of cancer patients have side effects from their illness. Those who’ve had chemotherapy can have neuropathy, which causes a tingling sensation in fingers and feet and the cold exacerbates that.”

Among those feeling the effects is Clare Davis-Eaton, who is in remission from tongue, throat and neck cancer.

She has neuropathy and feels the cold badly but often puts on more layers and huddles under a blanket instead of turning up the thermostat.

She received a grant from Macmillan after her 2016 diagnosis, but spiralling energy bills have left her afraid to check her bank statements.

Clare, 47, of Grimsby, said: “When you get cancer, your wage goes away but your bills and your rent don’t go away.

“You don’t save for cancer. I was completely unprepared.”

The £350 grants provide a lifeline but they can only be accessed once, meaning some patients continue to struggle.

Ms Ferguson said: “There are people who have phoned us every couple of weeks or months looking for further support because that £350 disappears so quickly.”

A Government spokesman said: “We recognise people are facing pressures with the costliving, which is why we are providing support worth around £12billion this financial year and next. We will provide an update on further help for households across the UK to meet their energy costs in the face of rising global gas prices.”

MACMILLAN’S ADVICE ON WHERE TO GET MONEY HELP

• Tips for how people living with cancer can manage the energy crisis from Christopher Jones, energy team leader on Macmillan’s Support Line
• Look into how you can maximise your income through benefits and grant advice.
• Let your energy and water providers know that your situation could mean your consumption may go up or your income will go down. They can provide extra protections and adaptions for cancer patients.
• If you’re on a pre-payment meter (PPM) and worried you may run out of credit, contact your energy provider who can possibly give you emergency credit.
• While Macmillan cannot give out direct debt advice, the charity can explain the processes you will have to go through, and signpost you to the best organisations and trust funds for help.

See macmillan.org.uk

Source: Read Full Article