Macmillan, created 114 years ago, also plays a key role in NHS provision, funding 11,000 specialist cancer nurses and care workers, and providing specialist financial and emotional support to more than 130,000 people with cancer each year.
Macmillan Cancer Support has axed a quarter of its staff, downgraded its helpline and scrapped its flagship financial hardship scheme that provides millions of pounds in grants to thousands of patients, the Guardian can reveal.
The UK’s most popular charity says a “tough financial climate” has led to it making drastic changes to safeguard its future and ensure it can still support the most vulnerable cancer patients.
Macmillan says it will continue to support “the most vulnerable people with cancer” but has not specified how it will do so or who exactly would remain eligible for financial help in the future.
Demand for Macmillan’s support and advice, as the UK’s top cancer support provider, is rapidly expanding.
