By 2020, nearly 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Macmillan wants to ensure that no one faces it alone and support is available for people and their families when they need it most.

Macmillan provides services to support people with cancer and their loved ones from the moment they’re diagnosed, through their treatment and beyond. From help with money worries and advice about work, to someone who’ll listen if people just want to talk; Macmillan is there.

In 2015 they spent a record £165.5 million on people affected by cancer, a 9% increase from the year before.

AND...they reached 5.8 million people affected by cancer, including more than 778,000 people who were supported by their professionals.

There are currently 39 Macmillan Services posts in Shropshire. They range from Macmillan GP’s, to Clinic Nurses Specialists, to Therapists, Support Managers and Benefit advisors. Some are in funding and others may be out of funding but still undergoing Macmillan training. This is to support the 17,000 people who are currently living with cancer here in Shropshire.

Jessica Brindley is the Macmillan Support Manager based between Royal Shrewsbury & Princess Royal in Telford offering help & Support to those affected by cancer. She will talk to the patients about any concerns & also finances which is often one of their biggest worries. Macmillan handed out 341 grants in 2015 to patients needing some financial help – totalling - £60,998.Cancer patients can apply to Macmillan for a grant to help with clothing, heating perhaps a holiday to the value of £500.00.

Jessica can be contacted by calling 01743 261000 ex 1957.

The Macmillan National Helpline number is: 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk

If you would like to talk to the Shropshire Fundraising Manager Helen Knight – then please do get in touch with her and she will be very happy to hear from you. Helen is a mobile worker, so please contact Helen via her mobile: 07977 864278 or email hknight@macmillan.org.uk

If you would like to donate locally, or perhaps you are having an event OR you need some assistance or are interested in Volunteering or would like local event information, Helen will be pleased to hear from you. Her working hours are:  9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am – 4.30pm on a Friday. In between these hours please leave a message.

Please mention the best of shrewsbury when contacting Macmillan Cancer Support.