ALMOST 12,000 (four per cent) of people with cancer in the South East are unable to celebrate special family events such as Christmas and birthdays owing to lack of money, according to new research.

The research, commissioned by Macmillan Cancer Support and carried out by Truth Consulting included a survey of nearly 1,000 people living with cancer, also found around one in 10 of those surveyed say they have had to miss out on visiting family and friends because they could not afford it.

Macmillan is calling on the government to remove the proposed £30 a week cut to the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Work Related Activity Group (WRAG) from the Welfare Reform and Work Bill.

The Government is proposing to cut the payment for new claimants from April 2017, which will reduce from £102.15 to £73.10 a week, in line with unemployment benefit.

The charity says people often having to stop work at the same time as coping with additional costs, such as transport to hospital appointments, new clothes or wigs and spiralling household bills.

People who are severely ill and have been deemed unable to work or undertake any work-related activity are placed in the support group.

That will include people who are undergoing some cancer treatments.

People who are ill and have been deemed unable to work but who can undertake activity that will help them to get into or return to paid employment once their condition improves will be placed in the Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG).

This could include people who are still suffering the consequences of their cancer or treatment.

Macmillan’s senior development manager in the south east, Rebecca Hawkins, said: “It’s heartbreaking that people who are going through cancer, which is likely to be one of the most difficult times of their life, are also having to face Christmas alone, or without being able to heat their home or buy presents for their loved ones.

“Having cancer is an isolating time and being cut off financially because of a diagnosis makes life even harder.

“People with cancer can lose hundreds of pounds each month because of their diagnosis. To put a stop to this will be difficult but every sector, from the government, to the NHS, businesses and the voluntary sector must play their part.

“It is incomprehensible that the Government is pressing ahead with proposals to cut the benefits of people with cancer who have been medically assessed as unable to work by around £30 a week.

“The Government must recognise the financially exposed situation people with cancer often face and the impact this has on their quality of life, especially at this time of year.

“Macmillan knows many Lords and MPs oppose these proposals.

“Now we need them to speak up and support cancer patients as the Bill makes its way through Parliament.

“And we desperately need the Government to listen.”

For more details of the campaign visit www.mac millan.org.uk/welfarere form

People who have financial worries or need benefits advice over the Christmas period can call them free on 0808 808 0000.