Cancer sufferers in the Harrogate area have been helped by a £400,000 windfall following the launch of a specialist advice service for victims.

It is feared that many grants and benefits may be going unclaimed because those devastated by news they have the illness may be unaware they are entitled to them.

Macmillan Welfare and Benefits Adviser Phil Bremner only started seeing clients in November, since when he has helped 143 people claim £421,000 in benefits and grants.

They included father-of-two and self employed printer Paul Bull, 40, from Harrogate, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in January this year and was unable to work.

Worried about how he would provide for his family, Paul was introduced to Mr Bremner, who

sorted out benefit payments and a £300 Macmillan one-off grant.

Mr Bremner said: “When someone is diagnosed with cancer, finances aren’t necessarily the first thing they think about.

“This role provides a one stop shop to ease these financial concerns. I work to find out what benefits a patient or carer might be entitled to.

“But I’m also here to advise on ways people can save money too and make the most of their income.”

Phil is available Monday-Thursday at the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre at the Harrogate trust or call 01423 557318.