The Irish Cancer Society has reversed its decision to cut financial support for families of children with cancer.
This major decision comes just one day after the ICS announced that it would be ending the financial support to families at the end of January. When it was announced, the ICS said that it regretted the decision but it could not afford to keep the scheme in place.
This morning the society rowed back on this decision. The ICS said that it will continue to maintain the fund – to a maximum of €2,000 over three years – for children and also announced that financial support for families of children with cancer will now continue.
The reversal of the decision affects around 200 children and their families. The charity has apologised for the upset caused.
However, adults will still be affected by the cuts. Around 2,500 adults received a one-off grant from the ICS last year. The average grant was just over €570 last year.
The ICS have said that they are relying on public support now more than ever as they look to find the funding to support the schemes.
The ICS said it was sorry for any upset the initial decision had caused.