Brenda Cobb was an ALK-positive patient who sadly died a short time after diagnosis. Her son, Callum, has raised a considerable amount of money for the charity and he is providing the finance for a hardship fund.
Brenda was known to her family as “Queen B” and was a great supporter of Chelsea Football Club – hence the logo in Chelsea’s colour.
A survey of our ALK-positive patients showed that 1 in 4 was experiencing some degree of financial hardship directly as a result of their diagnosis.
Grants will normally be up to £500, although higher amounts may be awarded if circumstances merit.
The grant must be used for the benefit of the patient and/or the patient’s immediately family. A patient or a member of the immediate family can apply.
The spouse or partner of a deceased patient may also apply within 6 months of the death of the patient.
We have not applied any conditions to the grant except there must be some degree of financial hardship. Applicants can describe the hardship and how they would use the grant in their own words. We give just a few examples of how the grant may be used – to buy a new washing machine, to repair a car or to give a child a holiday.
The grant might also be used to pay for private Next Generation Sequencing when this is not funded by the NHS.
However, we don’t want to be restrictive and there will be many more good reasons.
Applications will be treated in confidence. They will be considered by a panel, who may ask for more information. The decision of the panel will be final.
Please email if you would like to discuss an application before submitting it.
Completed applications forms should be returned by email or by post to Brenda Cobb Hardship Fund, 1 Ethley Drive, Raglan, Monmouthshire, NP15 2FD.
Callum wants the fund to be used, so please apply if you could do with some financial help.