Man, 26, with aggressive leukaemia has benefits and mobility car taken away during chemotherapy Lewis Saunders had his PIP withdrawn which means his mother Zoe, who has a brain tumour, can’t claim Carer’s Allowance

Lewis Saunders initially put his headaches and tiredness down to being “run down”.

But when he began to see flashing lights, became breathless and developed a fever, his mother Zoe knew something was seriously wrong and rushed him to A&E.

She struggles to hold back the tears when she recalls what the doctors told them: If he’d had delayed seeking medical help for a few more days he wouldn’t have survived.

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Lewis, then 23, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL), an aggressive type of blood cancer which usually progresses rapidly.

He has cancer and doctor notes to prove this, why is this not an open and shut case with the DWP? Zoe Saunders

“His skin was so grey, he looked awful,” Zoe told i. “He hardly had any healthy white blood cells left, the leukaemia had spread so much.”

The maths masters graduate spent six months in hospital, where he was treated with intense chemotherapy.

But before his treatment has finished, the Department for Work and Pensions decided to withdraw his disability benefits.

His mother has given up her job to care for her son full time and has since been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Because Lewis can no longer claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP), she is unable to apply for Carer‘s Allowance.

It also means that the now 26-year-old – who uses crutches or a wheelchair to get around – had his mobility car taken away.

“He has cancer and doctor notes to prove this, why is this not an open and shut case with the DWP?” said Zoe.

‘Nauseous and weak’

On the day of his assessment, Lewis was sick from the chemo and he collapsed Zoe Saunders

Doctors explained Lewis, from Bexhill, East Sussex, would have to have “maintenance” chemotherapy for three years in a bid to keep the disease at bay.

Lewis was awarded PIP around four months after his diagnosis in June 2016. The benefit is intended to help with the extra costs of a long-term health condition or disability.

“The leukemia is now under control but because it can come back so quickly, he goes to the hospital every two weeks for chemo,” she said. “He has it injected into his spine, which is the best way for them to reach his brain.

“He also takes oral chemotherapy every day. It leaves him nauseous and weak.”

But then in January last year, Lewis was asked by the DWP to attend an assessment – and shortly afterwards received a letter to say the financial support would stop.

“On the day of his assessment, Lewis was sick from the chemo and he collapsed because his leg gave way,” she said.

By then, he had developed the first symptoms of a complication from the chemotherapy, and has since been diagnosed with avascular necrosis (AVN), the death of bone tissue due to interruption of the blood supply.

“It’s in both hips and essentially means one of his hips has completely died,” she said. “The doctors discovered Lewis has a gene that means he doesn’t metabolise the chemo drugs as well as other people so the toxic effects hit him stronger.

“He also suffered three major blood clots due to the chemo.”

However, despite his deterioration, the DWP rejected Lewis’ PIP appeal.

‘He should be entitled’

Then Zoe, 45, began suffering migraines and discovered she had a benign brain tumour in July last year.

“I’ve had to give up work as an admin assistant because of my condition and to care for Lewis,” she said. “I get Universal Credit but it means I miss out on the Carers Element.”

She said her son should be allowed the money to help with the cost of hospital visits – it’s a four-hour round trip to the Royal Marsden where Lewis has chemotherapy.

“Lewis needed nine months off work initially then he decided to go back to work as a pricing analyst – it’s his way of coping and it keeps him going,” she said.

“A Jobcentre advisor told me he would have got it if he hadn’t gone back to work. But this is wrong – PIP is non-means tested and is not affected by earnings. He should still be entitled to it and shouldn’t be penalised because he’s motivated to work and is paying into the system despite how sick he is.”

‘Very sick’

Zoe also insists that Lewis meets the criteria of both having difficulties with daily living and getting around.

“When Lewis gets home from work he is absolutely exhausted and there is no way he could prepare himself food for example.

“He tried to go back to living by himself but he couldn’t cope and he had to move back in with me.

“He uses crutches and a wheelchair for long distances. He’s very sick. I don’t understand why the DWP seem to be targeting people with cancer.”

She says they are now taking their fight to Tribunal.

The DWP would not comment on Lewis’ case. A spokesperson said: “We’re spending more than ever before on benefits to support disabled people and those with health conditions. Decisions for PIP are made following careful consideration of all the information provided, including supporting evidence from someone’s GP or medical specialist.”

Do you have a benefits story? Email claudia.tanner@inews.co.uk