The funds raised through charity activity in over 1,600 Greene King pubs, hotels and restaurants and across its support centres and breweries could help nearly 3,000 families with financial grants. The money will assist people who are living with cancer manage unexpected or extra costs related to their diagnosis during the cost-of-living crisis.
According to Macmillan 83% of people living with cancer in the UK, that's nearly 2.5 million people, often experience some kind of financial impact from their diagnosis, and for those affected, this can reach an average of £891 a month.
Sal Dunford, 46, from Bolton, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2022 aged 45, and is currently on long-term sick leave. She lives with her husband, who needed to take on a second job to keep a roof over their head, as Sal’s only income at the moment is a Personal Independence Payment.
When asked about her current financial situation, Sal said: “Ever since receiving my cancer diagnosis the cost-of-living crisis has been relentless. My diagnosis was hard enough and with money worries on top, it’s been really, really difficult. We have no disposable income and had to tighten our belts on food, water, travel and we haven’t been able to turn the central heating on, even when we really needed it.
“When things got tough, Macmillan stepped in and was a real lifesaver, helping me keep my head above water by providing us with benefits advice and a one-off grant. I can’t tell you how helpful this was. I really don’t know where I’d be without their support.”
The charity’s Emergency Grants Appeal provides those living with cancer with practical financial assistance, helping them pay necessary expenses like fuel to get to hospital appointments, or support with food and heating bills, if required.
The number of people with cancer supported by a Macmillan grant in the first three months of 2023 leapt to over 13,000, an increase of 28% compared with the same time last year.
Nick Mackenzie, Greene King's CEO, said, “We’ve been proud partners of Macmillan Cancer support for over ten years now. During that time, we’ve seen some incredible stories of our team members going above and beyond to raise money to support people who are living with cancer.
“This huge fundraising achievement is thanks to the power of all the many smaller donations that happen daily across our pubs, from the £1 dropped into the collection tin on the bar, to the 25p donations that are added at the till, they all add up and really make a difference. It’s no surprise our generous customers and passionate teams have come together once again and raised the £1m in just a few short months."
Claire Rowney who is the Executive Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Innovation, at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We couldn’t be more grateful and proud of everyone at Greene King for raising an incredible £1 million for Macmillan’s Emergency Grants Appeal.
“Macmillan Grants are a lifeline for so many and the funds raised by Greene King will enable us support even more people living with cancer through the cost-of-living crisis.
This is yet again another amazing achievement from Greene King colleagues. I would like to thank them for their phenomenal fundraising efforts and their continued commitment to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer.”
Greene King has supported Macmillan since 2012, raising over £14.5m in the last 11 years of its partnership with the cancer charity.
(EDITOR: It's nice to know that whenever my wife and I visit a Greene King pub or restaurant that we have the opportunity to help raise funds for Macmillan.)