Reblogged from samedifference1:
A CANCER patient has lost an appeal against a cut to his disability benefit the same month he learned he could have his prostate removed.
Barton resident Paul Marlow — who has suffered from bladder cancer for 10 years — has lost his monthly £218 Disability Living Allowance.
The 56-year-old, a former caterer who served the Queen, was told last summer that he would no longer receive the benefit after a medical assessment.
He appealed the decision, but an independent tribunal hearing in Botley on January 23, found he did not qualify for the money for mobility and care needs.
Mr Marlow said: “It is absolutely disgusting. This cancer is not going to go away.”
He said he felt intimidated at the tribunal in front of the three judges, adding: “It felt as if I was sat there begging.”
The Stowford Road resident, who says he relies on the benefit, has had about 40 operations for tumours in his bladder since his diagnosis in 2003.
His next operation at the John Radcliffe will be to take away part, or all of his, prostate after it became inflamed because of the problems caused by the cancer.
He said: “All this stress I think has caused the prostate problem.”
Mr Marlow also suffers from arthritis, the lung disease chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
He says he uses a mobility scooter and walking stick to get around.
But his income from benefits has now fallen from £990 to £772 a month – in fortnightly £386 income support payments.
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