Positivity in the face of price hikes and cancer

A terminally ill mother, who spends half her monthly income on electricity, has spoken of her fear and anxiety over what the future could hold, amid soaring energy prices.

Come April, the cost of electricity is set to rise, amid warnings of as much as a £1,300 increase for those on variable rates in Orkney, with local charities braced for a huge upsurge in demand.

For Clare Daintith, the impact could be enormous, forcing her to plunge into her savings to heat her home, exerting more stress and pressure on her shoulders at a time when she battles serious illness.

Ms Daintith, a mum of four teenagers, lives in Rousay, and has stage four terminal breast cancer. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Despite her plight, she maintains a positive outlook, and is adamant that she will continue to pay her bills, at whatever cost.

But she has spoken candidly to The Orcadian to raise awareness of the sheer impact and toll that these price hikes are set to have on families.

Read more in The Orcadian.