Anthony’s story
Anthony is well-spoken, thoughtful and clearly has an
interesting career behind him. He worked in international
development in Africa for a number of years, helping poorer people
improve their lives. The region where he was working was known to
be a hot spot and when the situation erupted, Anthony had to flee
the country with his young sons and little more than £200 in his
pocket.
“We got on a plane from Africa with hardly any belongings and
walked out of Heathrow with no address to go to,” he explains.
As a result of an industrial accident in Africa, Anthony also
has some mobility difficulties.
“I have sole care of my two sons, aged 7 and 14 and we arrived
here and had to completely re-launch our lives,” he says.
Any state benefits available didn’t enable them to invest in
improvements for the future or even cover the costs of his son’s
special diet.
“I felt trapped,” he said.
While searching online for any help available, Anthony found the
Turn2us website. Through a series of emails with Turn2us he was
advised of a number of charities he could apply to for some
assistance.
“The advice received was focused and they were very good and
quickly pointed me in the right direction,” he reports. “I also
found the Turn2us website quick and easy to use.”
A short time later when he opened a letter from the charity
Elizabeth Finn Care, telling him he would be eligible for a grant,
Anthony says “I just felt sheer and utter relief and felt
blessed.”
Elizabeth Finn Care has awarded Anthony and the boys £18 per
week to cover living expenses plus a grant of £900 to help them
rebuild their lives. Anthony explains how he has put the money into
a separate account and accesses it to buy particular items they
would not have otherwise been able to afford: The cost of uniform,
shoes and the joining fees for the Air Force cadets for example,
his son’s special diet, a bicycle to get around and education trips
for the boys. For Anthony, the money has meant proper orthopaedic
shoes and internet access. He is now in the final stages of writing
a book and the internet at home saves many trips to the local
library.
“The Turn2us advisors have a fantastic attitude and showed so
much professional kindness. I know I can phone them anytime if I’ve
any questions and I really feel like a member of a family,” Anthony
says, overflowing with praise for the service and the difference it
has made to him. “I can only give Turn2us an A++ all around,” he
says, the genuine gratitude evident in his voice. Anthony hadn’t
heard of Elizabeth Finn Care before and without the help of Turn2us
would not have reached them so efficiently. “It has been a big
helping hand that has really helped us to restart our
lives.”
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Last updated: 24 February 2010
