I would like to thank all of your readers who helped Macmillan Cancer Support campaign for free prescription charges for cancer patients.

We simply could not have achieved this without your help.

After three years of pushing for this change, we are delighted the Government has listened to us and abolished prescription charges for cancer patients from April 1 this year. Cancer not only threatens your life, but can also make you poor, and free prescriptions will transform the lives of thousands of people living with cancer who were struggling to pay for drugs.

All cancer patients are now entitled to apply for a five-year exemption certificate, which will entitle them to all their NHS prescriptions free of charge, not just those relating to cancer. It covers those who need prescriptions for the treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment. The certificate can be renewed as many times as necessary.

To get your application form please visit your GP or oncology clinic. And if you have already paid for an annual

pre-payment certificate, you can get a refund for the months after April.

Visit www.dh.gov.uk/helpwithhealthcosts or call 0845 610 1112.

STEPHEN RICHARDS

Regional director London,

Anglia and South East Macmillan Cancer Support