Hopefuls back fund appeal
Perthshire election candidates from across the political spectrum have spoken up to support a children’s cancer charity campaigning to get travel funding for families seeking treatment.
Last week the PA told the story of Perth mum Amanda Barnes who had to make multiple trips by car and taxi to get her fiveyear-old son Sean to Dundee and Edinburgh for cancer treatment.
In 2014 ,Sean was diagnosed with a tumour in his stomach and he was called in for three months of chemotherapy treatment far from home in Edinburgh.
And at other times when he was allowed to go back to Perth, Sean was rushed to Ninewells Hospital whenever he got a temperature.
His mum does not drive and public transport was out due to fears Sean would pick up an infection.
The charity CLIC Sargent is calling on the next government to set up a multi-million pound travel fund to help young cancer patients.
The PA asked all the local candidates if they would back such a fund.
Labour candidate for Perth and North Perthshire Angela Bretherton said: “I fully support CLIC Sargent’s campaign to support a young cancer patient travel fund and, if elected, will champion this cause.
“I was upset, but not completely surprised, to learn of Amanda Barnes and her son Sean’s experience and the high travel bills they have had no option but to pay.
“Working in UNISON, I have witnessed first hand the impact underfunding is having on our NHS.
“A Labour government will ensure that NHS patients get the world class quality of care they need. We will enable staff to deliver the standards which patients expect.”
The SNP’s candidate Pete Wishart said: “No family should face bankruptcy because of childhood cancer. The emotional distress caused by caring for a child with cancer is bad enough, without the additional financial burden. I fully support the CLIC Sargent campaign for a UK wide young cancer patient travel fund.”
Conservative candidate for the Perth and North Perthshire seat Angus Forbes was backing the fund idea too.
He told the PA: “Health is a devolved matter in Scotland so its not something I would be able to vote on. However, I do support the policy and would gladly campaign to have the costs of travel reimbursed.
“I think it’s unfair when people are at their very lowest point to have to worry about these extra expenses.”
Stuart Powell, candidate for the Brexit Party, also wanted to help: “Clearly, many more patients may be affected by long travel distances and to ensure some equity.”
Over in the race for Ochil and South Perthshire, Conservative candidate Luke Graham said: “For those who don’t have access to transport, this is a great idea to support those most in need and have the terrible disease that is cancer.
“The Conservatives’ recent announcement on car park charges will help and will see £7 million coming to Scotland to help pay for the charges that remain in some Scottish hospitals. But more can be done, and I’m happy to support those who need it most.”
Running for the same seat is UKIP’s candidate Stuart Martin. He backed the call to helping young cancer patients get about for treatment too: “I would support this cause and believe that more funding is needed to ease the burdens of these families that have these additional costs for their children and have to travel great distances for treatment.
“I would be happy to help in any way I can and to promote this for more funding if I’m elected on December 12.”
On hearing all the positive responses the PA’s article had provoked, Amanda Barnes said: “It’s great to hear that there’s so much support for CLIC Sargent’s travel fund.
“It would really make a difference to families like mine who have struggled with travel costs just to get their child to treatment.”
Sean is now 11 and has had the five year all-clear on his cancer.