A CHARITY has helped cancer patients in Glasgow claim more than £2million in unclaimed benefits.

Maggie's benefits advisory service was accessed by more than 14,000 people across the UK last year.

Louise Whitehill, 26, from Glasgow, has been a Maggie's visitor since her mother was diagnosed with cancer two years ago.

She said: "Maggie's was a valuable resource to us, but on hearing news of her diagnosis, her financial situation was one of her biggest concerns.

"The benefits service provided a great sense of reassurance when things were up in the air; the advice helped us realise that whatever happened, we would be guided in the right direction."

Benefits advisers at Maggie's Centres operate on a drop-in and appointment basis and the service is also available for families and friends.

Patients may be entitled to a number of benefits, including Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Carers Allowance.

Carol Scott, a benefits adviser at Maggie's, said: "People with cancer list money worries as their second biggest concern when facing a cancer diagnosis, second only to major pain.

"It is only once they have been helped to sort their financial situation that they can relax and give getting better their full attention."

Maggie's officials say the service has helped patients across the UK access more than £15.5m in unclaimed benefits.

Over the past five years players of People's Postcode Lottery have raised £2.5m for Maggie's, helping to ensure its 14 UK centres can continue to provide support to people with the disease, their friends and family.

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk