A Macmillan advice worker based at Wythenshawe Hospital who has helped ease the money worries for people affected by cancer by securing extra benefits, is retiring to the sun after 10 years service.
Glenn Dawson, 58, is a member of a Macmillan team dedicated to helping people secure government grants and benefits to help reduce the financial problems caused by a cancer diagnosis.
He devoted his days to help Manchester residents receive the support they need, after losing his wife Emma, 58, to bowel cancer in 2011, and experiencing money worries first hand.
Since then he has personally secured more than £16 million in benefits for people affected by cancer through working for the service, based at North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester Royal Infirmary and University Hospital of South Manchester in Wythenshawe.
He said: “The role of a benefits advisor is very important, as more and more people are being diagnosed with cancer every day. In a lot of cases some people have never claimed benefits before, or never thought they would have to, and that’s when we can help support them and secure the benefits or grants they are entitled to.
“I will really miss being part of the Macmillan advice team in Manchester, which provides such a vital service. But I feel a real sense of achievement, to not only have helped raise more than £16 million in benefits for people affected by cancer, but to know the service we provide has such a massive impact on their lives.”
Glenn, who has two children and a grandchild, and was part of the team that started the Macmillan Benefits Helpline, is retiring to Portugal with his wife, Linda, where he plans to work in property management and run karaoke nights in their local bar.
Richard Hunt, Macmillan Partnership Manager for Greater Manchester, added: “I’d like to thank Glenn for his unwavering and dedicated support, both professionally and personally, over the last 10 years. He has been a fantastic asset to the team, and a great ambassador for Macmillan, and he has helped provide vital financial support and advice to thousands of people affected by cancer in Manchester, when they have needed it most.”
The Macmillan Advice Service in Manchester, which is provided by Manchester City Council and funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, works to help address the financial needs of people affected by cancer.
It was launched in 2006 and has raised more than £52 million in extra benefits for people affected by cancer over the past decade.
For further advice, or to make an appointment to see an advisor, contact North Manchester General Hospital on 0161 922 3517, Manchester Royal Infirmary on 0161 276 3244 / 3246 or University Hospital of South Manchester on 0161 291 4931 / 2165.