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Terminal cancer patient has benefits withdrawn - Irish Post about a woman in London

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John
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Joined: 09/03/2008

 Picked up from the Irish Post about a woman living in London, UK. I have added this to demonstrate how current policy affects others not just those with HIV/AIDS.

 

"A SECOND-GENERATION Irish woman suffering from a life threatening tumour has had her disability benefits cut after being deemed fit to work.


Lisa Connell — whose father hails from Dublin — was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour three years ago.

Since then the 30-year-old has suffered constant headaches, memory loss, temporary paralysis and now even finds she is losing her sight.

But despite these debilitating ailments the Department for Work and Pensions has told her that her allowances will be axed from next month.

She must also give back her car which is paid for by the care and mobility scheme.

Lisa says she is livid with the decision and believes she has been treated unfairly.

She said: “Every three years you fill out these forms but the questions are very basic.

“Because I can walk and talk unaided and communicate on my own they think I am fit for work.

“And just by ticking some boxes on a form they think I am living a normal life.

“They haven’t seen me or spoken to me, but have made up their minds judging by that form.

“What they don’t know is that I am exhausted most days and find it difficult to get up some mornings because of severe headaches and nausea.”

Before her illness the north London woman worked in property management.

After her terminal illness was diagnosed Lisa was unable to work and so dedicated her time to setting up the website called Rent A Date For Charity. 

It aims to raise funds and awareness for Brain Tumour UK and has grabbed the media’s attention nationwide.

But now she fears her dream of raising £1million for the charity will be hampered by her own financial situation.

“It’s absolutely crazy,” she said. “I’ve grafted hard all my life and paid taxes since I was a teenager.

“Now I find that when I need it most I cannot depend on this Government. I certainly don’t want to be on benefits, but unfortunately that is the situation I find myself in.

“I can’t do a normal day’s work because I can’t function properly. This is just added stress for me and something that I could do without.”

Lisa is currently appealing against the benefits decision — a process which could take up to three months.

In the meantime she is desperately trying to raise money in sponsorship and advertising in order to keep her charity work going.

“I really don’t want to close down the site and give up on my fundraising dream,” she said. “But it may just come to that.” "

 

It is really important that you fully complete the forms and/or submit a detailed account of how your illness(es) affect you on a Daily & Nightly basis. The forms may not prompt you to give this detail otherwise.

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