EXCLUSIVE: Sue, 61, found herself in emotional and financial distress after receiving a shock cancer diagnosis. She tells her experience of PIP and how a discount platform for disabled people is saving her hundreds
A woman with cancer revealed her concerns over PIP while being ill – and how she managed to save nearly £700 with a nifty disability savings app.
Sue,61, from Cleveland, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and was later confirmed to have cancer in her femur seven years later in 2023.
The mum was working as a council worker when she first learned of her disease, while supporting her family financially and saving for her kids’ future.
Already a difficult time for the family, Sue battled through the “shock and sadness” of the diagnosis as she didn’t want to “dwell” on the situation and affect family finances.
Despite being signed off sick while receiving chemotherapy, the mum shared that the money only kept them “afloat” for a while.
Sue ended up “in tears” at the bank and was eventually able to pause her £300-a-month mortgage to take some pressure off financially.
The mum then took some advice to apply for PIP (Personal Independence Payment) and was awarded the lower rate by the DWP (Department of Work & Pensions) at the time.
However, she quickly realised the difficulties of being disabled – and is now worried about the benefit cuts that could be waiting round the corner.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star, Sue told us: “I applied for PIP and was given the lower rate at the time, which helped with the basics of food and heat, but not much more.
“What really scares me about the government’s current cuts to PIP is the thought that people may become isolated because they rely on it for taxis to the hospital or GP appointments.
“If they stop going, especially in winter, will people get ill or even die from hypothermia because they can’t afford to keep warm? And food! Prices are rising by tens of pence, not just pennies. Will people have to skip meals?”
Sue also highlighted the hidden transport charges of cancer, that should be offset by PIP – the benefit that is supposed to help with either, or both, mobility and daily living costs occurred through disability.
People are stringently assessed by the DWP and are either awarded a higher or lower rate if they are found to be eligible for the benefit.
Though, in Sue’s case, she still struggled.
But, the mum has recently found a new way to relieve the financial pressure from her shoulders. After downloading Purpl – UK’s first discount program designed specifically for disabled people – Sue is managing to save money on her food shop and a bunch of treats.
She’s on track to save £700 this year, with most of the money being saved on her Morrisons shop.
Sue explained: “This year, I started using Purpl, and it’s been a massive help. I do a food shop twice a week and save £48 a month using the Morrisons code. In February, I needed a new freezer and saved £45 on it.
“I’ve also used the Domino’s Pizza code when I’m treating myself.”
Now retired and living mortgage-free, Sue set up a gas and electric plan through Octopus. She prefers online grocery shopping with the delivery passes she pays for from her discount savings.
Sue concluded: “I use Morrisons twice a week because their £25 minimum basket suits me. I’ve used Ocado too, and I’m hoping other supermarkets will join Purpl. I check emails and notifications regularly and love the Facebook ‘Let’s Make Today Purpl’ updates.”
Purpl is now helping its 70,000 members save an average of £720 a year. Since only launching in July 2024, the discount site has helped save a collective £2million amongst members.
Other brands on the platform include: Ninja, Currys, Carwow, Sky, Jet2Holidays, AO and Hoover.
Georgina Colman, founder of Purpl, said: “Hearing about experiences like Sue’s makes me proud, but also sad. I’m glad we’ve been able to support her, but the fact disabled people have to fight just to stay afloat is heartbreaking. And now, the government is making things harder with proposed PIP changes.
“As a disabled woman myself, I know first-hand how expensive life can be. That’s part of why I started Purpl.
“We’ve just celebrated our first year, and I hope we can keep making life a bit easier for people like Sue.”
It comes as the new Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rules were planned to come into force from November 2026 for current and new applicants.
However, concessions to rebelling Labour MPs saw the proposed changes shelved pending a review by disabilities minister Sir Stephen Timms into how applicants are assessed.
Now, in response to a parliamentary question, minister Timms has confirmed the review is expected to be concluded by Autumn 2026 before its findings will be presented to the public.
Meaning, cuts to the scheme could feasibly be rushed through parliament and enacted around the original deadline of November 2026.
However, others have cited Spring 2027 as the timeline for the introduction of cuts.
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