THOUSANDS of cancer patients in North Yorkshire have welcomed the news that they will soon be exempt from prescription charges.

From April 1, people being treated for cancer will be eligible for free prescriptions, but they can apply for their five-year exemption certificate from today.

The new scheme abolishes NHS prescription charges for everyone undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment.

The exemption certificate will entitle them to NHS prescriptions free, not just those relating to cancer.

Sue Hone, who is in remission after winning her battle with non-Hodgkin’s disease, said she was thrilled that other cancer patients would benefit from this change in legislation.

The 56-year-old, from Duggleby, near Malton, said: “It’s brilliant news and it’s long overdue.

“When I was ill, I got infections and other problems all the time, and it was a real burden having to pay for all my presciptions.

“I didn’t have a job and my husband had to leave his job too to look after me, so our income had dropped dramatically.

“You also have a lot of extra costs when you’re ill – our heating costs went up because I was cold all the time and we had extra travelling costs to get to the hospital.

“Being exempt from paying for prescriptions would have made a real difference.”

Macmillan Cancer Support led a three-year campaign to abolish prescription charges for cancer patients. Maureen Rutter, director of the charity’s York branch, said: “Cancer not only threatens your life, but can also seriously affect your finances. “People with cancer have enough to worry about without having to worry about paying for the drugs they need.

“Free prescriptions will transform the lives of many thousands of people living with cancer today.”

Application forms for the certificate can be collected from GP surgeries and oncology clinics and must be countersigned by the patient’s GP, hospital doctor or service doctor.

Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo urged patients to make an appointment with their GP as soon as possible to talk about applying for their exemption certificate.

* A cancer charity is looking for a talented volunteer to work in its communications department.

Tasks would involve keeping Macmillan Cancer Support’s case studies information up-to-date, interviewing people affected by cancer and updating computer records.

Communications officer Jo Parkinson said: “We can offer a varied and challenging role that would enhance a CV or allow the candidate to use their professional skills in the voluntary sector.”

The volunteer would be based at Macmillan’s regional head office in Fawcett Street, York.

To apply, phone Jo on 01904 756407, or leave a message with Jane Reed on 01904 756414.

The closing date is February 27.