A TERMINAL cancer patient says Government plans to cut disability benefit will force people battling the disease to “fight for their lives and their livelihood”.

The proposals would see spending on allowances cut by 20 per cent if given the go ahead.

There are also plans to replace the disability living allowance (DLA) with a personal independence payment.

Marilyn Fetcher, aged, 61, has secondary breast cancer and says her mobility would be restricted if the cuts are made.

She added: “My disability living allowance helps me to pay for a car. My mobility is quite impaired.

Public transport is possible and I do use it but standing means it is much more difficult.

“The Government proposals are shocking in that they target the most vulnerable people.

“It’s not a favour, we are not asking for anything special, it is about living a normal life.”

Ms Fetcher claims she will have to cut back on the help she has to clean her home and will be restricted in what food she can buy as she has difficulty cooking because of her illness.

The Government says the plans aim to clamp down on benefit fraud.

Ms Fetcher, of Foster Lane, Breightmet, was forced to retire from an East Bolton Regeneration scheme post because of her illness.

She said: “It’s grossly unfair to target sick and disabled people.

People are campaigning, we are fighting for our lives and livelihoods.”

Campaigners were given hope when peers considering the Welfare Reform Bill overturned planned restrictions.

They rejected a proposed oneyear limit on Employment and Support Allowance claims.

The final decision will be down to the MPs to overrule the lords.

Charities and voluntary groups have been pushing for MPs to rethink.

Richard Hawkes, chief executive of disability charity, Scope said: “We urge the Government to listen and act on these concerns and to ensure its replacement takes into consideration all the barriers disabled people face in everyday life.”