A national financial helpline for people affected by cancer is due to move into new and larger offices in Shipley tomorrow.

The Macmillan Cancer Support Welfare Rights Service has helped 46,151 people to claim more than £56 million in statutory benefits and to cope with the financial impact of cancer.

Funding by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group has allowed the charity to take on extra staff to cope with its increasing workload.

The team of 22 advisers will now move from a small office in Cottingley to its new premises at The Waterfront, Salts Mill Road, Shipley – to be officially opened tomorrow by Macmillan’s patron, the Countess of Halifax.

Welfare Rights Team manager Kay Nichols said: “Financial help is there for many people affected by cancer in the form of statutory benefits, but they may not realise what they can claim, or be too embarrassed to ask.

“For some the whole business of claiming and form-filling just seems too complicated, especially when they’re not feeling well. That’s where my team comes in.

“One call to us can be the first step to helping a family affected by cancer get their finances on track again.”

Financial demands on those affected by cancer can include travel to hospital, childcare, higher fuel bills and special diets – at a time when they may be forced to give up work.

Macmillan Cancer Support chief executive Ciarán Devane said: “Being able to talk to an understanding and knowledgeable adviser who can help you through the benefits maze is so important when you’ve been diagnosed with cancer.

“Our team of advisers in Shipley do an amazing job helping people from every part of the UK and we are very proud of what they have achieved so far.”

Anyone who wants to talk to an adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support is asked to visit macmillan.org.uk or phone (0808) 8080000.

e-mail: tanya.orourke@telegraphandargus.co.uk