Marie: I was the main breadwinner.  I was on a really good wage and losing that wage all of a sudden was absolutely terrifying.

Samantha:  There was a wonderful Macmillan adviser who’s based at the chemotherapy unit, who goes around, that is her job, to advise patients on what they might be entitled to, as far as benefits are concerned and that was a massive, massive help.

Marie: You’ve  got a car on finance and, and credit card bills and all of a sudden you’re a, a huge wage down.  

Tracy: We would advise you to contact people straightaway because the more you ignore it the more debts will pile up.

Marie: They got in touch with the car finance company and they managed to have the finance cleared and they took the car back I was able to get a motability car. They managed to get the credit card bill quashed. And I was also helped with a grant to tide me over until I’d sorted out Benefits.  And I, I’d never been on benefits in my life I didn’t, I didn’t know anything you know where to turn.

Tracy: We can contact companies on your behalf.  Um sometimes they’ll take it more seriously if it comes from a healthcare professional. With your permission we will give them details of your medical condition, what’s going on treatment wise, how long you might be out of work, all those sort of details.

Bamidele: Until last year I worked for Department for Work and Pensions for 17 years My Department was one that paid the benefits. So at least I knew the things I could apply for. I was able to get 6 months, 26 weeks off work for, on full pay before it dropped to half pay. A couple of my friends. Suggested I should, apply for PIP which is personal independence payment, I didn’t even think I was going to be able to apply for it or anything.  A friend actually sat down with me and helped me to complete the form. I got that for 3 years before it stopped yeah.

David:  Being self-employed, I never saw myself as having the luxury of, you know, having sick leave, I just accepted that one week in four I would not be productive.

Tracy: If you have got critical illness cover on your insurance we can help you, write letters to back up your claim, um and most of the time they are successful.  

David: I did have private medical insurance, so. You know, my chemotherapy in my case was done at home. Exactly the same, they turned up with crates of bottles and bits and bobs. What I would say to people is if you have got health insurance, for goodness sake make sure that, you know, you use it and be aware of what it offers.

Sam: I actually went to work to hand in my notice And they asked me if I’d like to try working from home cos they were trialling this new agile working policy and that’s what I do. I now work from home, It does give you a sense of purpose, you know, There are days when I think, why am I doing this, it feels a bit futile, but on other days it’s good and it’s good to be positive and good to be occupied.

Linda: I’m an HR consultant so I was in a fortunate position that I continued to work through all my treatment. I think it is quite important to keep your routine as normal as possible. Admittedly you have to work round an enormous number of medical appointments but if you can do that, I think it actually helps enormously.

Surindar: By talking to HR, they were happy for me to keep coming in when I wanted to That was really a real plus because it kept you in touch with people, kept your mind activated, if that opportunity is there I would take it. It’s a little tough but it helps you on your journey to recovery. I really, for me it did.