Summary
Alyssa McCrea’s three-year-old daughter Aria was diagnosed with leukaemia, leading to frequent hospital visits for treatment in Belfast, 110 miles from their home. While England has set up a government fund to help families cover travel costs for children’s cancer treatment, Northern Ireland’s Department of Health cannot offer similar support due to budget limits.
Key Facts
- Aria, aged three, was diagnosed with leukaemia in summer 2022.
- Treatment lasts about two and a half years and requires regular travel to Belfast.
- The family lives in Derrykeighan, County Antrim, about 110 miles round trip.
- Travel costs became a heavy financial burden, with Alyssa often "skimping to get by."
- England announced a £10 million yearly fund to cover travel costs for young cancer patients.
- Northern Ireland does not have a similar dedicated travel fund due to budget constraints.
- Financial aid in Northern Ireland is mostly limited to low-income families receiving certain benefits.
- Charities and the Irish Cancer Society provide some financial support but not a direct travel fund.
