About > How It Helps
How It Helps
How funds raised for Sober October make a difference
There are three million people living with cancer in the UK right now and they are counting on us for physical, financial, and emotional support. We know that life with cancer is tougher than ever, so we’re doing whatever it takes to support people living with cancer.
Since the launch of Sober October in 2014, our amazing Soberheroes have raised over £34million. This incredible amount has made a huge difference to the lives of people with cancer and is helping them to live life as fully as they can.
People living with cancer need Macmillan now more than ever before. We’re doing whatever it takes, but without your help we can’t support everyone who needs us. That’s why we need you to take part in Sober October this year and ditch the booze to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
How your money could help
Everyone living with cancer deserves the best possible healthcare and support and we will make every penny you raise count for something in someone’s life. Your fundraising will help Macmillan to provide personal support from the moment of diagnosis and whenever we’re most needed, from help with money worries, campaigning for better cancer support to simply being a listening ear.
£54
could help our welfare advisers on our Macmillan Support Line deal with a call or web enquiry.
£109
could provide emotional support to one person living with cancer for around eight weeks, through ongoing and regular telephone sessions with one of our Macmillan Telephone Buddies.
£237
could pay for a Macmillan nurse for 1 day, helping people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support.
£341
could support our financial guides to run the financial guidance element of our phone, webchat and online service for 1 hour. In this time, they could, on average, deal with 5 calls or web enquiries, providing a wide range of financial support and advice to people affected by cancer.
Sean's Story
After a long process of tests and doctors’ appointments, Sean was diagnosed with bowel cancer back in 2016.
“I was given the news that I had bowel cancer, my wife and I went into practical mode asking lots of questions regarding the cancer, treatment and follow up. Suffice to say that evening there were lots of tears”.
Sean has 5 children and telling them was what he described as the most difficult day of his life.
“The care and emotional support from the Macmillan Nurses was invaluable and helped to make my journey a little easier, I have huge admiration for the work they do. The Macmillan Nurse support throughout my cancer, chemotherapy and subsequent visits was first class – nothing was too much trouble and they provided a genuinely caring & supportive environment.”
Sean has been cancer free for a few years now and has since fundraised for Macmillan in the hope to give something back for the treatment he received.
For support, information or if you just want to chat, call Macmillan free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am–8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk.
Important Note
Sober October is an 18+ fundraising campaign aimed at challenging social drinkers to change their habits for a month and make some healthy lifestyle changes. We would encourage people to drink responsibly and stick to the recommended daily guidelines for the rest of the year. We advise heavy drinkers or people dependent on alcohol to speak with their GP before signing up to Sober October.
