A GROUNDBREAKING service supporting cancer patients has helped more than 5000 people in Glasgow in its first five years.

The Evening Times first told of the launch of the Macmillan Improving the Cancer Journey service in 2014.

Now the project has given one-to-one emotional, practical and financial support to 5200 people with cancer.

Lorraine Andrew had worked as a call handler for NHS 24 for 16 years prior to her diagnosis.

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She was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2017 but later found out that it had spread to her lungs, liver and bones.

Concerns over her relationships, her employment and the inability to depend on her husband’s wages as a sole source of income were at the forefront of her mind.

She said: “Ultimately I was medically retired, so I did have a lot of worries about benefits and how I was going to cope.

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“Luckily, Macmillan filled out all of my benefit forms for me and got me all the appropriate benefits.

“They did an assessment, which helped me get in contact with other services that were relevant to me, and to get some counselling as well which was really important.”

Lorraine was also living in a first floor flat at the time, but as the cancer spread, she began having trouble using the stairs to access it.

She said: “I was allocated a housing officer, who facilitated me being moved to a ground floor house.

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“They adapted it to suit my needs – I’ve now got a garden, so on days I maybe don’t feel like getting out and about, I can have some space.”

At an event yesterday at Glasgow City Chambers, Macmillan’s chief executive Lynda Thomas highlighted the success of the project.

The service operates by offering patients the opportunity to talk about any concerns or needs they may have in their personal circumstances, and then helps to carry out any required actions.

It runs with support from Glasgow City Council.

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Lord Provost Eva Bolander said: “It’s a sad fact that certain people with cancer experience serious financial loss - including the loss of their home - because of their illness.

“We’re making sure no one using our services here in Glasgow risks losing their home, and are helping people to access the financial benefits they’re entitled to.”

Lorraine added: “It’s helped to take some of the financial pressure off so I can just concentrate on my health.

“I miss my job and all the people – but the things I do with Macmillan makes me feel valued again.

“If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know where I’d be.”