Macmillan has supported over one thousand cancer patients with vital grants since the start of the pandemic.

During 2020, cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Support gave almost £363,000 in South London alone.

As a result of a receiving a hardship grant, around 1,179 South London residents were able to pay for essentials; such as heating their homes, travel to hospital appointments, bedding and clothing.

Macmillan grants are means-tested, one-off payments of £350 aimed at helping people living with cancer on low incomes.

Below we have listed a breakdown of how many people received help and the amount distributed per borough.

-Bexley received over £19,450 for 66 people

-Bromley received over £38,829 for 125 people

-Greenwich received £38,695 for 125 people

- Lewisham received £44,136 for 141 people

-Sutton received over £17,000 for 56 residents

-Merton received over £19,000 for 62 borough residents

-Croydon received over £44,000 for 144 residents

-Wandsworth received over £24,000 for 77 residents

-Kingston received £11,283 for 37 people

-Richmond received £11,117 for 36 people

Kris Chadwick, 44, from Tooting in south London was diagnosed with treatable but incurable breast cancer in 2018. She tragically also lost her husband Matt to cancer in 2013.

Your Local Guardian:

Speaking about her grant she said: “I tried to continue to work through my treatment but realised after my first round of chemotherapy that I would need to take time off work.

“On top of this I’d had to move from a house-share to a flat on my own, so my expenses were through the roof.

“I reached out to Macmillan financial support and the wonderful person talked me through some options.

“They also suggested I apply for a Macmillan grant to help with heating costs and to contribute towards a wig.

“Just knowing someone cared enough to help made me tear up.

“When the grant was awarded it was such a relief. I’m forever grateful to Macmillan for the emotional and financial help and support they have given me during my late husband and now me – during both our cancer journeys.”

The charity reports that more than a third of people with cancer (39%) are severely financially impacted by their diagnosis.

Your Local Guardian:

Kymberly Goh, Macmillan Welfare Benefits Team Manager said: “As Covid-19 continues to impact the lives of people with cancer, we want to reassure everyone that Macmillan is here to help – we’ll do whatever it takes.

"One way we can help is with a Macmillan grant, which can cover the cost of those everyday essentials that make a big difference to the lives of people living with cancer, especially at the moment.

“A Macmillan grant is definitely a source of respite for patients when they are in severe financial hardship. So, if you’re struggling to meet the extra costs of cancer, call Macmillan to see if you are eligible for a grant, as well as checking what other benefits you might be entitled to claim, and to access the rest of the support we offer.

"Macmillan is only a phone call away and we will move mountains to help.”

For more information visit here.