About YBTC Patient Grants
Our grants are available for anyone who has been diagnosed with a primary brain tumour and will be receiving/has received treatment through an NHS hospital in Yorkshire, and/or whose permanent address is in this region.
Grants can be applied for to help with household costs, to reduce social isolation, to improve wellbeing, to install specialist equipment or to fulfill a special wish.
Each grant is decided according to the particular circumstances of an individual case. The highest amount that can be awarded is £500.
Please note: YBTC cannot support requests for medical treatment or drugs. YBTC cannot support grant requests to cover travel expenses for treatment abroad nor fund family subsistence costs for patients travelling abroad for treatment.
We are unable to provide ongoing financial support. As such, we cannot consider a repeated request for a patient grant within 12 months of the original request. However, if further needs arise outside of the 12-month period, YBTC will consider an application based on the individual circumstances.
How to apply
An application form will need to be completed by a healthcare or social care professional e.g. clinical nurse specialist, social worker, therapist, hospital doctor, community nurse or GP.
Download the application form now or if you would prefer a paper copy, email grants@yorksbtc.org.uk or call us on 0113 340 0111.
How the grant process works
Once your application form has been filled in, please return to grants@yorksbtc.org.uk (either the patient or the healthcare provider can submit but the form must be completed by a professional).
Once the YBTC office receives the application, it will be processed within 10 working days. A member of the YBTC support team will be in touch to discuss the application before referring for a decision.
We will send you a letter with the outcome of the application.
If the grant has been approved the funds will be transferred directly to the patient’s bank account. YBTC will contact you to arrange this transfer
The difference our grants can make*
Adam, aged 3
Adam's mum, Claire, is a single parent and has recently fled domestic violence. Without support from family, Claire is struggling to cover the cost of frequent hospital visits, alongside daily living costs. Our grant helped to reduce the financial burden and stress Claire was feeling to enable her to focus on caring for Adam and his sisters.
Stuart, aged 26
Stuart was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged 9 and has undergone extensive surgeries and treatments over the last 17 years, leaving him with significant developmental delay and mobility restrictions. Our grant helped cover the cost of new Lego sets, as well as tickets for Lego shows which enable him to socialise with others.
Ruby, aged 10
Sam had to stop work to provide additional care for her daughter Ruby, whose brain tumour reoccured in 2016. The family car broke down and required significant repairs. Our grant covered the cost of the repairs, enabling Sam to transport Ruby safely to appointments and school.
Nancy, aged 53
Nancy is partially sighted following an operation to remove her brain tumour in 2018. She lives alone and found the isolation due to Covid-19 extremely difficult. Our grant covered the cost of an audiobook device and a tablet to help her get involved with online calls with friends and family.
Faye, aged 61
Faye is determined to keep moving, but her brain tumour and the steroids she takes are weakening her leg muscles. This has meant she has been unable to go down her garden steps. Our grant has contributed towards the installation of a ramp to enable Faye to access her garden safely.
Rose, aged 10
Rose was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour. She gradually improved enough following treatment to undertake a special trip to Disneyland Paris. Our support helped pay towards the high cost of insurance so she could enjoy the trip and make memories.
Joe, aged 34
As a result of his illness, Joe lost his driving licence and his job. Joe has three children under 10 and asked for help towards the cost of presents, food and decorations so his family could have an enjoyable time together at Christmas.
*names have been changed
FAQs
Please note that YBTC does not fund family subsistence costs for patients travelling abroad for treatment for a brain or spinal cord tumour. This applies both to treatment that is approved and funded by the NHS, such as proton therapy for specific indications, together with any non-NHS funded self referrals.