Home / Health / Cancer Travel Aid Gap Leaves Northern Ireland Families Behind
Cancer Travel Aid Gap Leaves Northern Ireland Families Behind
17 Apr
Summary
- Northern Ireland families face significant travel costs for child cancer treatment.
- England has a £10m annual fund for children's cancer travel expenses.
- Stormont's Department of Health cites budget deficit for lack of similar scheme.
For years, families in Northern Ireland have grappled with the significant travel expenses associated with lengthy childhood cancer treatments. Alyssa McCrea shared her experience of frequent 110-mile journeys to hospital with her twin daughters, highlighting the immense financial pressure and emotional toll.
In February, England introduced a £10 million annual fund to cover travel costs for children and young people undergoing cancer treatment. This initiative aims to alleviate debt and prevent families from cutting back on essentials.
However, Northern Ireland's Department of Health has stated it is not possible to establish a similar scheme due to budget deficits. Existing support for travel costs in Northern Ireland is primarily means-tested and available only to those on certain benefits.
Campaigners estimate a local fund would cost approximately £300,000 per year, a figure they believe is manageable within government budgets. They are urging for parity with England, emphasizing the critical need for financial support during such challenging times. Aria, thankfully, has now recovered and celebrated her seventh birthday.
