FOR many people, a diagnosis of cancer can result in extra expenses, such as transport to hospital, at a time when their income may also be greatly reduced, but Macmillan Cancer Relief supports people living with cancer by providing grants towards these additional costs.

Last year around £10,000 was spent in Hounslow but this was lower than expected despite Hounslow having areas of higher than average social deprivation. Macmillan is concerned that it's uptake of patient grants in this area is lower than the national average.

Paul Stein, Macmillan's London Fundraising Manager said: "We encourage people to talk to their healthcare team if they are worried about money. A grant can help someone in a very practical way - to help pay for a large fuel bill for someone who feels the cold more because of treatment or to purchase an essential item like extra clothing or a comfortable bed. It can really make a difference to a patient's wellbeing". In 2003 Macmillan gave 14,707 people grants across the UK totalling more than £5.3million, an increase of 6.5 per cent on 2002. Although a high proportion of grants are given to cover expenses such as fuel and travel, Macmillan is also happy to consider giving grants to enable individuals to have a better quality of life.

For example, a talented teenager was given a grant to purchase a digital camera so she could maintain her interest in photography during lengthy treatments. People may qualify for a grant from Macmillan if: they have been diagnosed with cancer and are still affected by their illness or its treatment, their savings do not exceed £6,000 if single, or £8,000 for couples and families the average weekly disposable income of their household does not exceed £100 per person, after allowing for certain basic household expenses, such as rent or Council Tax.

The patient or carer needs to ask a health or social care professional, such as a district, community or Macmillan nurse, to apply on their behalf. They will fill in a grant form and pass it to the patient's GP, who will add a medical report before sending the application on to Macmillan. If the application is approved, most cheques are posted within three days. Some people, in continuing need, receive more than one grant. Typically grants are between £300-400.

Letters and cards received by Macmillan prove what a difference a grant can make when a cancer diagnosis turns someone's world upside down. One grateful man wrote: "This help has given me a lifeline when I did not know which way to turn through this shock illness."

For cancer information and support, and details about patient grants, contact the Macmillan CancerLine (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) by freephone: 0808 808 2020, textphone: 0808 808 0121 or email: cancerline@macmillan.org.uk; or log on to www.macmillan.org.uk/patientgrants.

Macmillan is only able to give grants to help people in need because of the generosity of individuals, groups and companies. If you want to donate, ring the Macmillan local office on 0208563 9699.