Shropshire cancer patients rely on charity handouts

Dozens of desperate cancer patients in Shropshire are having to rely on charity handouts to buy new clothes, a shocking new study reveals.

Research from Macmillan Cancer Support shows that last year nearly half (43 per cent) of people in the county who received one of its grants needed it to pay for clothing.

This is because of changes in their weight or their body shape as a result of the disease and treatments.

The charity gave out one-off payments of almost £10,000 to 74 cancer patients in Shropshire to use towards clothing.

Across the UK, more than £2 million was given out to nearly 15,000 people.

Nationally, 48 per cent of grants awarded were for clothing – above other funding given out for support with other costs such as fuel bills or travel to hospital.

Ciaran Devane, chief executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, said the figures illustrate the financial difficulties faced by many people who have the disease.

"The sheer number of cancer patients turning to Macmillan for help towards clothing highlights just how much they struggle financially," he said

"Clothing is one of a number of hidden costs cancer patients are burdened with at a time when, on average, their income halves and their outgoings rocket.

"Patients already have to deal with the physical changes to their bodies – they shouldn't have the added stress of not being able to afford new clothes.

"We urge any cancer patients who are struggling financially to contact our helpline to find what support is available to them."

Officials from the charity said new clothes are often needed by cancer sufferers due to the effects of the disease and treatment for it.

Weight loss is one of the common symptoms of cancer, while certain chemotherapy drugs, steroids, and hormonal therapies can cause weight gain.

For details on financial support for patients, call 0808 808 0000.