Crowdfunding to pay for living costs
Ways you can raise money to help pay for treatment, living costs, and making memories by crowdfunding.
As well as the staggering cost of treatment, there are other costs associated with caring for a loved one or friend who has been diagnosed with cancer. At an already incredibly difficult time, families are often unprepared for the financial pressure of a cancer diagnosis.
To date, over 3,000 people have turned to JustGiving Crowdfunding, raising more than £500,000 specifically to help with day-to-day living costs - ensuring families have one less thing to worry about.
You can create a Crowdfunding page on JustGiving, alleviating some of the pressure for a family affected by cancer.
Travelling to and from hospital appointments is not only time consuming, but also expensive. With the ever-rising price of petrol and other expenses associated with the running of a car, the costs soon mount up.
Whilst some hospitals offer free car parking for families attending regular appointments, this is not always the case. Some patients are required to have treatment for six weeks or more, with families or carers paying to park their car each day.
Liam's story
At just five years old, Liam was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia called Birkett’s. His auntie set up a Crowdfunding Page to help his family with the costs associated with travelling to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for Liam’s treatment. As well as hospital parking and petrol costs, the funds raised also covered additional childcare for Liam’s older brother. This meant that his parents were able to focus on Liam’s treatment without worrying about the amount of time they’d need to take off work.
Frankie's story
Frankie’s family’s world was turned upside down when they were told that a tumour had been found on four-year-old Frankie’s bladder. Although the cost of her treatment was covered by the NHS, the cost of flights, accommodation, food and schooling for Frankie’s older brother was raised on this Crowdfunding Page.
Jay's story
At just 18 months old, Jay fought a brain tumour. It was so large that it took 27 hours to remove. At seven years old, he faced another terrifying operation. Jay is part of a very large family, who struggled to find large enough accommodation close to the hospital where Jay had his operation. After being given just eight days notice for the operation, the family set up a Crowdfunding Page to help them with the cost of accommodation and living expenses.
Many families of people diagnosed with cancer are faced with the prospect of losing an entire income. Many will need to ask their employee for time off work, some of whom will take unpaid leave.
For single parents, having to take unpaid leave can cause an unimaginable amount of worry.
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, paying for household bills on top of a mortgage can seem like an impossible task.
As well as missing home comforts, being away from home for treatment often means families are regularly forking out for lunches and drinks in hospital canteens or shops. Cancer treatment is not always available nearby; so many families find they need to pay for overnight accommodation.
It’s difficult to imagine being away from home, spending long periods of time in hospital. After treatment, it’s important that families have a relaxing space to rest and recover. Upon returning home, some families make alterations to their home. This can include the addition of support rails or perhaps moving bedrooms downstairs or closer to parents.
Crowdfunding for living expenses on JustGiving now
Rae's story
Baby Rae is currently fighting Leukemia. Friends of her family are hoping to raise money for the organisation which is helping her family with accommodation during her treatment and to cover the cost of home improvements in the family home ready for Rae’s return.
Leighton's story
Leighton was diagnosed with Leukemia when he was just eight years old. To relieve some of the financial pressure, Lesley is crowdfunding for extra petrol costs and food, drink and extras to ensure Leighton is comfortable.
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