A LEADING cancer support charity is calling on the Government and energy firms to do more about cancer sufferers’ energy bills.

Macmillan Cancer Support has given £6,640 to 33 Worcestershire cancer patients struggling with fuel costs already this year.

Charity chief executive Ciaran Devane said: “It’s time for the Government and energy suppliers to step in and help these people most at risk.

“Macmillan will continue to campaign until we see cancer patients get the help they need with fuel bills.”

Macmillan is calling for the Government’s winter fuel payments scheme to include cancer patients and the terminally ill.

It also asks energy firms to be clearer about special tariffs for vulnerable people and automatically offer them to cancer sufferers.

The charity has produced a fuel costs factsheet to help cancer patients save money. It is available from macmillan.org.uk, or by calling the Macmillan benefits helpline Monday to Friday, between 10am and 5pm on 0808 801 0304.