A new service has been launched today to help with welfare rights for anyone hit by cancer or has someone with cancer in the family.

An advice help-line has been set up in London’s East End at Toynbee Hall in Whitechapel by the Macmillan charity for patients with financial worries.

The charity’s Linda Nixon said: “Financial concerns are second only to pain for those with cancer.

“Instead of money worries, they should be able to focus on their health.

“Coping with the stress of financial pressure is the reality for many patients and their families.”

The Macmillan Toynbee Hall Welfare Rights project provides advice to patients needing help with basic necessities such as winter fuel and housing benefits to be able to keep their homes.

It has already secured �1.4million to run the advice line and outreach sessions at Bart’s and Newham University hospitals, east London’s two main cancer treatment centres.