Chesterfield great-grandfather with terminal cancer finally to see his great-grandson

Colin Greenhalgh, 73, and his wife Jayne have six children between them, 22 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren with the youngest being born just last week.

However as most of their family live in Manchester, lockdown restrictions mean they haven’t been able to see their loved ones for months and had to break the news of Colin’s diagnosis over the phone.

Colin, from Barrow Hill, was put in touch with the Macmillan Welfare Rights Service in Derbyshire who help people with cancer struggling with the pandemic’s financial impact and the unexpected costs cancer can bring.

The team were able to apply for a hardship grant to fund a laptop so Colin can stay in touch with his family virtually while shielding at home.

He hopes to see Frankie, his new born great grandson, in real time via the laptop for the first time next week.

Colin said: “I don’t know what the future holds. I’ve been told I have months rather than years.

"They can’t do anything so I’m just waiting.

"It’s times like this you want your family around you but with the lockdown we’ve not been able to see anyone. My youngest great grandchild was only born last week but I haven’t seen him yet. It’s been really hard.”

Macmillan gave just over £137,900 in hardship grants to people living in Derbyshire last year, to pay for home comforts and essentials, such as heating their homes, travel to hospital appointments, bedding and clothing.

Grants are available to anyone living with cancer facing financial difficulties, thanks to donations from the public.

Macmillan Welfare Benefits Officer Gail Edwards based in Derbyshire said: “A Macmillan grant can help pay for the little things that can make a big difference to the lives of people living with cancer, especially at the moment.

"It’s these basics that a Macmillan grant can help pay for, making someone’s life that bit easier when they need it most, and it’s all thanks to our supporters.”

To find out more about Macmillan grants call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 8080000.