Families with children battling cancer to have travel costs covered

"Families of children diagnosed with cancer will have the cost of travelling for treatment covered under a new scheme to be rolled out in England by 2027."

"When a child is diagnosed with cancer, their family's focus should be on helping them recover and getting them well, not on whether they can afford the petrol or bus fare to get to their next appointment. This small change will make the world of difference to parents."

"It's really expensive, she says. Finances is the last thing you want to think about when you are going through a tough time. Emma believes the new policy will mean a lot to families going through the same thing, adding it will be like having an arm around you."

The government will allocate £10 million a year to cover travel costs for children and young people with cancer up to age 24, with the scheme due by 2027. Many families face long journeys to one of 13 specialist centres across England, with research showing average monthly travel costs of around £250 and reports of some families falling into debt. The policy aims to remove a financial burden so families can focus on care. The funding is part of a broader cancer strategy that includes measures to reduce waiting times, improve early diagnosis and prevent cancers.

Read at www.bbc.com