Raise £369 and make their day

Chronicle and Macmillan launch campaign
‘We all know someone affected by cancer, this can be your way of making a difference’

Editor

TODAY the Chronicle joins forces with cancer charity Macmillan to launch a new campaign to help Oldham people with cancer “have a good day”.

The challenge to Chronicle readers is: “raise £369 and make a difference.”

The appeal, which aims to give a good day to as many Oldham people as possible who are living with cancer, marks Macmillan’s centenary,

The Chronicle is urging readers to run their own fundraising events to bring a little light into the lives of local cancer sufferers.

Chronicle editor David Whaley said: “All of us know someone who is affected by cancer, and this can be your way of making a difference and showing you care.”

Urging readers to get behind the appeal, he said: “Just £369 can make a real difference to someone with cancer, and the Chronicle is pleased to be partnering Macmillan to make that difference to people in Oldham.”

Macmillan’s Rose Tipton explained: “When you are are living with cancer, the difference between a good day and a bad day can often come down to really small things. We need the help of Chronicle readers to support people affected by cancer, through a Macmillan Financial Grant.”

Last year, Macmillan gave out £47,232 in grants to 128 people in Oldham — an average of £369 per person.

In the daily life of someone affected by cancer, many choices are taken out of their hands — a Macmillan grant aims to restore some of those choices. The grant helps to fund anything that will give a good day to the person receiving it

Appealing for readers’ support, Rose, the charity’s fundraising manager for Greater Manchester, added: “Cancer affects everyone, either directly or indirectly. Everyone in Oldham can play a role by joining this campaign and helping us reach our ambition to help everyone affected by cancer.”

A Macmillan grant is a one-off payment for anyone with cancer, and can be used to pay for anything from heating bills and extra clothing, to a much-needed break.

Typical expenses Macmillan grants help with are fares to and from hospital, heating bills, washing machines and other household items to help make life easier.

The Chronicle will be featuring fundraisers who bring in the magic £369, and telling the stories of some of the people who have benefited from grants.

Anyone organising an event or who wants to tell how a Macmillan grant made a difference to their lives, can contact reporter Marina Berry on 0161-622 2126 or email marinaberry@oldham-chronicle.co.uk .


Want to apply for a grant?
A Macmillan grant is a one-off payment.

Anyone who has cancer or is still affected by the illness or treatment can apply, but must have no more than £6,000 in savings as a single person, or £8,000 as a couple or family. Disposable income needs to be under £100 per person in the house, once bills have been paid. Disability living allowance or attendance allowance are not counted.

Applications should be made through a health or social care professional (social worker, district nurse, Macmillan nurse), and must include a short medical report from a doctor or Macmillan nurse.

Approved grants are usually sent out within three working days.

Information: Macmillan Cancer Support helpline, freephone 0808-8080000.