THEY are relatively small amounts of money that can make a massive difference to the lives of those fighting cancer. But one Hampshire cancer charity is struggling to help all those in need after demand for financial help soared by 14 per cent in just 12 months.

Desperate not to turn away any patients seeking support, Wessex Cancer Trust is now appealing for donations to ensure that families devastated by the disease have a chance to share precious moments together that will last a lifetime.

As the current economic situation hits hard, more and more cancer patients in the county are becoming increasingly dependent on the charity’s grant giving scheme to help with practical and financial needs.

In the last year alone the charity gave more than £14,477 out in grants to 119 patients in Hampshire – a 14 per cent increase compared to the previous 12 months.

In total the charity received 301 requests for grants, with only 119 of those being successful. This compared to 292 requests in 2010, of which 111 were successful.

And it is a similar story across the Wessex region, which includes Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands, which has seen a 25 per cent increase in grants in the last year.

But as some national grant giving bodies reduce their patient budgets due to the tough economic climate and with the charity receiving 64 requests in just the first two months of this year, Wessex Cancer Trust fears the situation will only get worse and they will be forced to turn more people away unless they get help from local fundraisers.

Sally Hall, chief executive of Wessex Cancer Trust, said: “We can react quite quickly to the needs of cancer patients and their families.

“However, the dramatic increase in the number of requests for financial help has been overwhelming, and we are crying out for funding to help people who find themselves in the most desperate situation of their lives. If you can help, in any way, please do get in contact with us.”

n For information on ways of giving to Wessex Cancer Trust call 023 8067 2200 or see www.wessexcancer.org.