FAMILIES’ POVERTY CRISIS

IT’S bad enough that families have to deal with the devastation of their child having cancer, but many are struggling with the cost of taking their child to hospital and many are being plunged into debt.

In the last 12 months, 4,450 young cancer patients and their families across the UK have spent around £5 million simply travelling to treatment.

In the UK it’s an average 60 mile round-trip to hospital for their treatment, with many travelling much further.

This isn’t by choice.

Many young cancer patients have to travel to specialist cancer centres around the UK to get the care they need – they can’t just go to their local hospital.

That 60 mile trip can cost families an extra £180 a month when treatment is at its most intense.

On top of the emotional and practical stresses of cancer, this isn’t right or fair.

In the run-up to the General Election, we’re asking the public to send a message to all party leaders, calling on them to commit to a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund if they become the next Prime Minister.

They can do this by signing CLIC Sargent’s electronic postcard, which will be shared directly with all party leaders.

Go to www.clicsargent.org.uk

Last year in Merseyside CLIC Sargent supported 151 children and young people, providing financial grants worth over £32,000 to help families struggling with the costs of cancer.

We’d like to thank the community for their ongoing support. Their efforts mean CLIC Sargent can continue to be there for the children and young people of Merseyside with cancer.