SOMERSET people with cancer are finding it as hard to keep warm as they nearly 100 years ago, according to Macmillan Cancer Support.

The charity gave out £12,981 to 64 cancer patients in the county in 2008 towards their fuel bills.

The situation was similar back in 1911, when charity founder Douglas Macmillan provided sacks of coal for people with cancer who could not afford to buy the fuel they needed to keep warm.

Macmillan regional director Steve Richards said: “Treatments and survival rates for people diagnosed with cancer have improved beyond measure in the last 100 years, which I’m sure would delight Douglas Macmillan.

“But he’d be appalled that his charity is still having to help so many people living with cancer to stay warm.

“Cancer patients of all ages tell us they feel the cold more because of the side effects of cancer and its treatment and having to spend more time at home.

“So their fuel bills soar whilst their household income has dropped.”

Last year, Macmillan gave grants totalling £61,643 to help 161 people in Somerset with other urgent financial needs such as travel costs to and from hospital, beds and bedding, fridges and washing machines and wigs.

The charity wants the Government to extend the Winter Fuel Payments to cancer patients.

•If you or a family member have been diagnosed with cancer and you are struggling financially, ring Macmillan on 0800-500800 or visit the charity's website at the related link on this page.