Story highlighted by councillor of woman’s heartbreaking situation last Christmas resonates with her fellow local council colleagues
“AT Christmas I visited a woman who was a former colleague of mine for years who was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had her chemo, a mastectomy and was now receiving her radium treatment.
“Her house was cold. She had a coat on her when I visited her. She was miserable. It was heart-breaking to watch her, because heat is nourishment.
“I think when people get a cancer diagnosis there should be a derogation that ensures where it is needed, they can apply to ensure they have adequate funding to heat their homes.
“I asked this lady if she had spoken to anyone, she said she didn’t because in the past she never had to go to anyone for help.”
Cllr O’Grady said she sought the assistance of a local charity who stepped in to assist the woman and her home was heated for Christmas.
However, Cllr O’Grady added: “That’s not the way it should be. People should, if needed, have a pathway to apply for funding to support them during a difficult time.”
Moving her motion which was fully supported by all members of the council, she said cancer patients and others who have been diagnosed with in Sligo who are receiving ongoing treatment should have adequate funding to heat their homes.
Cllr Marie Casserly said one of the big issues when people are diagnosed with a serious illness or health condition is that they can see a dramatic reduction in their income and a matching dramatic increase in their spending to respond to their illness.
She said, “Particularly for people who are self-employed who have no income, there is a real issue with the fact that money is not coming in, they are off work and often staying away paying for accommodation, these are real issues.”
The motion was agreed.