A CASEWORKER offering help and advice to cancer sufferers in Burnham and Highbridge has been recognised for his efforts this Christmas.

Michael McCrea-Steele, from the North Somerset Macmillan Citizens Advice Service, gives advice and support on benefits and grants and so far has helped over 2,000 local people affected by cancer claim £7 million in benefits since the service began in 2008.

Michael said: “People living with cancer and their families often experience financial hardship, usually brought about by a drop in income and the many additional expenses incurred due to the illness. That could mean struggling to pay the rent or mortgage, or not being able to afford the cost of travel to treatment, especially since cancer patients from this part of the country often have to make long trips to specialist centres in places like Bristol or Cheltenham.”

The advice service is funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and serves people in across North Somerset including Burnham and Highbridge.

Maggie Crowe, Macmillan development manager in Somerset, said: “£7million is a fantastic amount to have claimed for local people affected by cancer.

“Congratulations to Michael and the North Somerset Macmillan Citizens Advice Service on providing such great support.”

For more information call 07580164457.