Mid Devon cancer patients afraid to to heat their homes, Macmillan claims (From Mid Devon Star)

Mid Devon cancer patients afraid to to heat their homes, Macmillan claims

2:01pm Wednesday 1st February 2012 in News

FREEZING Mid Devon cancer patients who can’t afford to heat their homes due to rising fuel bills are increasingly relying on charity handouts to keep warm.

Macmillan Cancer Support reports that is has given more than £26,900 in financial grants to 154 cancer patients in Devon to assist with their energy bills in the last year – more than a 33% increase on the amount given in the previous 12 months.

Sarah Beaven, Cancer Information and Support Specialist for the region said: "To feel too scared to put the heating on because of soaring energy bills is an unacceptable reality for thousands of vulnerable cancer patients who feel the cold more and spend long periods of time at home."