A WEEK ago I was given the sad news that Wilma Bain – the Council’s Education & Communities Corporate Director - had died after her brave fight against cancer.

Throughout her illness she maintained a positivity and a cheerfulness that belied the dreadful prognosis she had been given.

Almost to the end uppermost in her thoughts were the people she worked with and served. Her professionalism and dedication over many years of service have played a huge part in setting the standards of education in Inverclyde.

Her death – at the age of just 56 – is a reminder that cancer does not discriminate and affects people of any age and every walk of life.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Macmillan Cancer Support service in Inverclyde.

Over the past decade hundreds of cancer patients have gained access to financial support and advice thanks to the efforts of dedicated welfare rights officers.

The service - working with Inverclyde Health & Social Care Partnership – is there to help people with their benefit entitlements, claiming any arrears and apply for grant funding.

Financial worries and hardship often go hand-in-hand with prolonged cancer treatment. Being unable to work and the cost of transport to hospital can all add to the stress of dealing with a serious illness.

The Macmillan Cancer Support service helps patients become aware of the benefits and the range of grants they may be entitled to. It is accessible, flexible and tailored to individual needs.

Macmillan Signpost Points are located in Greenock Central Library and five other branch libraries providing anyone affected by cancer with information and access to other services including complementary therapies, counselling and benefits advice.

Research has shown people living in deprived areas are most likely to be diagnosed with cancer and have a higher death rate than those living in more affluent areas.

Over 500 new cancer cases are registered annually in Inverclyde and that figure is likely to rise year on year. At any one time there are approximately 1,500 people living with a cancer diagnosis.

Nearly all households suffer a reduction in income or see costs increase as a result of illness – indeed the second greatest cause of stress amongst cancer patients after diagnosis is loss of income so it is vital they get every penny they are entitled to.

This service brings some peace of mind to a great many people when they most need it.

For help and advice contact Jacqueline Coyle, Macmillan Cancer Support, Welfare Rights Officer, Advice Services, Inverclyde HSCP Tel 01475 715365