Cancer charity wants to expand Yorkshire-based support line

For the first time, Macmillan want to open their Yorkshire-based support line over the festive period to make sure they are there for everyone who needs them.

The support line provides easily accessible, free information and support to people with cancer, answering questions about cancer types and treatments, provide practical and financial support, or just listening if someone needs to talk.

The line is currently open Monday to Friday, between 9am and 8pm, but Macmillan want to expand it to seven days a week, 365 days a year, so is investing an additional £2m this year, and more in coming years.

Sophie Gibson a welfare rights advisor on the Macmillan Support Line, said: "Being told ‘you have cancer’ can be a frightening experience. The amount of information received at diagnosis can be overwhelming and questions can often come much later.

"Here on the Macmillan Support Line we have the opportunity to really make a difference to people affected by cancer. Sometimes we are just the right phone call at the right time. We understand what challenges people are facing, so what can just be a 10 minute call to me, can make such a huge impact on someone who needs support."

This Christmas, Macmillan wants to raise £22,000 to fund frontline staff for an extra week, enabling them to answer 1,159 calls and web enquiries.

Sarah Child, fundraising manager for Macmillan in York, said: "I am calling on the people, businesses and communities of York to dig deep this Christmas and help us to be there for people affected by cancer when they need us most.

"By providing the Gift of the Gab this Christmas they’ll be giving so much more. Whether it’s choosing to donate to Macmillan instead of sending Christmas cards, setting up a raffle at your Christmas lunch or wearing a Christmas jumper to work, every penny really does make a difference right here in York."

*To donate, volunteer or find out more, phone 0300 1000200 or go to macmillan.org.uk/get-involved