Life changes immediately after hearing the words, “you have cancer”. At first, you can't think about anything else. All you feel is shock or numbness. It can be hard to believe. Cancer can disrupt many aspects of life, including household finances and budgets which can be difficult to manage. However, after receiving the devastating cancer diagnosis, it is vital to seek support if you feel that you are unable to cope emotionally, financially or physically.

According to Macmillan Cancer Support, four in five (83%) people are, on average, £570 a month worse off as a result of cancer. Income goes down and expenditure rises at a time when money worries should be the last thing on people’s minds.

The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) understands how important support can be to someone who is facing a devastating cancer diagnosis, and this is why it launched the Employee Assistance Programme which is solely funded by powerLottery.

powerLottery is a great way to show your support to those who are suffering from or are affected by a life-changing cancer diagnosis while being in with a chance of winning some big cash prizes for as little as £1 per month.

Over the years, EIC has helped dozens of people across the electrical sector who are struggling following their cancer diagnosis and, thanks to powerLottery, recently the Charity was once again able to support and give strength to Jermaine who was referred to EIC by Macmillan Cancer Support, following his diagnosis of incurable Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

on-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, the network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body. Although Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which affects more than 13,000 people in the UK every year, is incurable, it can be treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy to allow individuals to lead as normal a life as possible.

Following his diagnosis, Jermaine faced 12 weeks of chemotherapy, and then every two months he needed a top-up as maintenance; this maintenance can go on for up to three years. Jermaine was struggling to cope emotionally and financially as due to his illness he was unable to work for many weeks and provide support for his partner and daughter. Although he was eligible for Employment Support Allowance, unfortunately, due to changes in the benefits system he was not eligible for Personal Independence Allowance (PIP), and as his partner only worked part-time, this resulted in financial struggles.

Just before becoming ill, Jermaine had applied to do his Experienced Worker NVQ and AMT Course, which would entitle him to a JIB Gold Card and much-improved rates of pay, but as he had been unable to work for some time he could no longer afford to do this.

To take the financial strain off Jermaine’s shoulders and allow him to focus on his treatments, EIC offered to help Jermaine and his family with bills and outstanding council tax payments and provided the family with food vouchers. Additionally, EIC also covered the costs for Jermaine’s Experienced Worker NVQ and AMT Course to allow him to take his career further once he is feeling better. Jermaine is now back at work full-time and is doing really well. He still has occasional off-days, but the cancer is still in remission and hopefully will remain that way. Coping with cancer can be difficult, but as an industry we can ensure that those who are struggling following a life-changing diagnosis are getting the help they need to continue on their pathway to recovery.

Through powerLottery, EIC can ensure that hundreds of our industry colleagues who are facing a devastating cancer diagnosis are not suffering in silence by offering them crucial support services, including counselling, financial assistance, legal advice, will assistance and practical support.

Alternatively, if you or someone you know has been affected by cancer and requires support, please contact the EIC support team: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or 0800 652 1618.

For further information, please contact our fundraising team: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.