MORE than 200 Bradford cancer patients in urgent need of financial help received Macmillan grants in 2014, in a record-breaking year for the charity.

New figures show that £313,316 was given to people in West Yorkshire, including £65,572 to 233 people in Bradford, to help them with costs arising from their treatment - an 8.4 per cent increase on 2013.

Research by Macmillan also found that four out of five people are, on average, £570 a month worse off as a result of a cancer diagnosis.

The grants cover essentials such as heating bills, clothing and transport costs, as well as practical household items like washing machines. They can also be used to help restore people's confidence or give them a new pastime or break.

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General manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in Northern England Fay Scullion said: "Our latest grants figures demonstrate the dramatic financial impact cancer has on the lives of patients and their loved ones. In 2014 Macmillan helped more people than ever before, as we continued to work to ensure that nobody faces cancer alone.

"People undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment should not have the additional worry of how to pay for absolute basics such as heating their home, or bedding to keep warm.

"There are 2.5million people now living with and beyond cancer in the UK, and with this figure set to double by 2030, we believe that our next Government needs to make cancer a priority. That’s why Macmillan is urging all of the main political parties to commit to matching the best cancer outcomes in Europe by the end of the next Parliament."

Nationally, Macmillan awarded over £10 million to 33,011 people in the scheme which gives payments to patients who have limited financial resources and are in need of immediate assistance, giving an average of £303 per person.

The majority of grants were given to help with clothing, followed by help with the cost of fuel bills and travel to hospital.

Every week, over 634 people in the UK receive a grant from Macmillan Cancer Support and the charity is urging anyone who is struggling financially to contact our its helpline.

Grants are just one of the ways Macmillan can help with the cost of cancer. Anyone wanting to learn more about the financial help available can call its helpline on 0808 808 0000.

CHARITY'S SCHEME CHANGES MAN'S LIFE

JOHN Baker’s life changed beyond recognition when he was diagnosed with cancer of the mouth in August 2012.

The 67-year-old endured a 16-and-a-half hour operation to remove three-quarters of his tongue and part of his jaw. Metalwork was inserted into his chin and a skin graft, using skin from his leg, helped rebuild his jaw.

He then underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Mr Baker, who attends a support group at Bradford Royal Infirmary, was left with impaired speech and unable to eat properly and his confidence plummeted.

A Macmillan nurse told John and his wife, Jennifer, about the charity’s grant scheme, through which he received £200.

Mrs Baker, who has been married to Mr Baker for 30 years, said: “The money started him off for his model railway collection. It helped start him off and since then he spends a lot of time upstairs and keeps building on it. It’s like a little hobby for him.

“It’s certainly built his confidence and he’s a bit brighter for it.”

Mrs Baker, 65, of Eccleshill, said she thought the Macmillan grant scheme was a “brilliant idea” and encouraged other people to use it.