A cancer diagnosis in rural or remote NSW can bring the additional burden of travelling long distances to treatment. Through a new partnership with greenslips.com.au, Can Assist Armidale will help ease that burden, and help local cancer patients to keep their car on the road when they need it most.

Can Assist provides financial support towards day-to-day necessities such as accommodation, fuel vouchers, food vouchers, utilities payments and flights, to name a few. Adult patients of all ages have sought support from Can Assist Armidale and they want to help more patients in need, especially with the payment of their compulsory CTP green slip insurance.

We support a big area north to Inverell and east to the coast. Most of our patients have to access treatment beyond Armidale, travelling to Tamworth, Sydney or Brisbane.

"This funding from greenslips.com.au is very useful as we have a big need to support our patients mobility. Our cancer patients need their cars to access treatment and the kilometres and costs quickly add up," said Can Assist Armidale President Fiona Kelly.

"One patients trip to their cancer specialist appointment was a 770km round trip in a day. When you have cancer your independence and own mobility is essential, as is your privacy. When you're feeling unwell following treatment, the privacy of your own car means a lot and can make all the difference," said Ms Kelly a cancer survivor.

"Can Assist Armidale is an amazing group of volunteers and were here to help anyone in our community who needs support through their cancer journey. Can Assist helped me 15 years ago to offset the initial costs of cancer. I was in a new town, a new job and Can Assists support made all the difference during a very difficult time," said Ms Kelly.

Can Assist is a community-based volunteer network, funded entirely by local donations and corporate sponsorship, with all money raised locally staying local.

"It is marvellous to have this donation from greenslips.com.au because we have people whose cars are off the road. They can't afford all the associated costs of keeping their car on the road and they can't get to treatment," explained Can Assist Armidale Treasurer Kerrie Pearson.

"I hate to think of anyone going without their most essential needs such as groceries, electricity and their car. No one in country NSW should have to go without. Can Assist is here to help them financially, and I hope no one is too proud to ask for our help," said Ms Pearson.

The contribution from greenslips.com.au for CTP insurance is a great help, and a perfect example of the opportunity for other corporate partners to get involved. Assist Armidale invite cancer patients to come forward and seek their support. It is as simple as calling the local branch on 0418 688 728, and asking your doctor or community social worker for a referral. All enquiries and ongoing support are strictly confidential.

Can Assist is committed to ensuring that all people, regardless of where they live in NSW, have access to cancer treatment and care. By providing accommodation, financial assistance and practical support to people from rural and regional areas, it ensures country people are given the same opportunities and treatment choices as those who live in city centres.