HAVING cancer can be worrying enough without having to think about the financial implications.

Car parking charges, loss of wages and increases in fuel costs at home can only add to the upset.

One woman who understands that is Jude Faulkner, who has had breast cancer.

She’s now giving back to others by volunteering for Macmillan Cancer Support and helping sufferers access the help they need.

And Jude has joined forces with the Huddersfield Cancer Support Group to help as many people as possible.

Jude is now a volunteer spokeswoman for Macmillan and said: “I try to use my experience during presentations so people can relate their own experiences to it.”

The Honley businesswoman continued working for the Phoenix Trading business during her treatment, but she was at home for more than usual and felt the effects of more than just the cancer treatment.

“My fuel bill went up 30% because I was at home more when otherwise I would have been out of the house at work,” she said.

“Another aspect was because of the treatment and steroids I put weight on. Some people lose weight, but either way, it means that clothes didn’t fit.

“Other problems patients face is with car parking charges.It wasn’t a problem for me, but at some hospitals in England patients have to pay for parking.

“I had 72 appointments, some days you’d be in and out in 10 minutes, other times you’d be there all day.

“If it costs £1 an hour then it can be very expensive.”

Jude also found out that despite paying into a critical illness insurance for many years, her cancer was not considered to be “critical enough” for her to make a claim.

Jude says Macmillan is more than just their much-loved nurses.

She added: “They provide so much more support. There are the health care professionals but there are also all these support services too.”

Last week Jude spoke to members of the Huddersfield Cancer Support Group which had also benefited from Macmillan’s work as its members were treated to a trip to Chatsworth.

“It’s places like the Huddersfield Cancer Support Group which can make such a big different to people during their treatment,” Jude added.

“Not just for the patients but it gives their carers or family some time out too.”

The HCSG was founded 22 years ago this summer by Margaret Revitt, who is still involved.

She said: “We’re here for anyone who has been touched by cancer.”

They meet Monday and Tuesdays from 2-4pm and Wednesdays from 12-3pm where there is a drop-in buffet lunch.

Meetings take place at Peregrine House, 7 Brooks Yard, off Market Street in Huddersfield.

Visit www.huddersfieldcancersupport.org.uk and www.macmillan.org.uk for more details about the two groups.