Caring for those affected by cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support Kent helps people affected by cancer across the county by providing emotional, practical, financial and medical support. Our health care professionals including our Macmillan nurses support cancer patients, their friends, relatives and carers from diagnosis for as long as they are needed.

 

Macmillan professionals support local people at the William Harvey, QEQM, Kent and Canterbury, Darenth Valley, Maidstone, Kent and Sussex and Medway Maritime Hospitals. Last year the Macmillan Medway Cancer Care Unit opened at Medway Maritime Hospital. Supporting cancer patients through their treatment, Macmillan nurses often apply for Macmillan financial grants on behalf of patients to help make a difficult time a little easier.

 

"The Macmillan nurse was fantastic. She was always there for me, suggesting what to do and she was at the end of the phone for my son."

 

Financial grants to local cancer patients totalled more than £200,000 last year and helped pay for clothing such as headscarves, respite holidays, heating bills, transport costs of travelling to hospital, practical equipment e.g. liquidisers and even dental work caused by the side effects of treatment.

 

Laura Kennedy, Fundraising Manager, says: “It’s fantastic for Macmillan to be involved with the Kent Messenger Walk and benefit from the money raised by walkers. We rely on the public for 99% of our income which funds our incredible services so please come along to the Hop Farm on Sunday 13 June and support Macmillan.

 

Rachel Beck received a grant of £250 from Macmillan to help with the cost of travelling to Canterbury every day for her radiotherapy, and she says it was very reassuring knowing Macmillan nurses were always available to talk to throughout her treatment.“Sometimes you can’t put into words how you are feeling in that situation,” she said. “But because Macmillan have helped so many cancer sufferers, they know how you are feeling. They also provide lots of useful information leaflets.”

 

Macmillan relies on the public for 99% of donations to help people affected by cancer. If you would like to take part in one of our organised events, such as the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning or would like to organise your own, please call Laura on 01622 600050 or email lakennedy@macmillan.org.uk