THE TRUE COST OF CANCER

Having a poorly child can be financially crippling at Christmas, a time when money is already tight for many families

- WORDS: JOHANNA BELL. MAIN PHOTO (POSED BY MODEL): GETTY. KYLEN FAMILY PHOTO: ANYA TILDEN

When we think of Christmas, we picture presents under the tree and children playing with their new toys – but for many families, Christmas can be a financially fraught time.

So just imagine what it’s like for those families who have the added strain of caring for a sick child. While everybody else is celebrating, they’re paying out costs for travel to hospital, time off work, food, and extra childcare for siblings.

A report by charity Young Lives vs Cancer found families are left waiting seven months for disability benefits and facing an average of £5,000 in extra costs (£700 per month) before getting any financial support from the government. Many struggle with the monetary impact of cancer, with one in 10 having no option but to miss or delay treatment because they can’t afford to travel to appointments.

Woman’s Own is partnering with Young Lives vs Cancer for its Christmas appeal, helping families get the support they need during their children’s treatment.

‘We were lucky we could stay afloat’

Flo Chandler-Lee, 39, works in fashion sales and lives in Harrow, London with her husband Daniel, 44, and their two sons.