Success Stories
Finding help isn’t always an up-hill struggle. You might feel
you’ve tried every avenue and just want to give up. But
there’s lots of support out there and we’re here to make sure
you find it.
Just take a look at the success stories below. Every one of these
people had money worries and struggled to make ends meet. Some had
disabilities that made life even harder. They found help and it turned their
lives around.
So, if you think you’ve exhausted all avenues and feel the effort is too
much, read on.
Cathy’s story
“When I was diagnosed with goitres in 2000 I had no idea how dramatically it
would change my life.
“I was told I needed an operation but wasn’t warned there could be
side-effects. Eight months later I felt I was physically destroyed and had to
leave my job.
“Bills started to mount and life became a nightmare. Being without a job made
it impossible to keep my head above water. I lost my home and was living on just
£70 a week.
“I was only 36. I knew if I admitted defeat and didn’t at least try to
get voluntary work, I would never get back on my feet. So I got a job at
the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
“And thank goodness I did. That’s where I found out about Elizabeth
Finn Care. “ It was two years after the operation and I didn’t expect to get
anything. But I was eligible and started to receive a regular allowance.
“It might not seem like a big amount; but to me…! I was drowning before
and it took me from absolute despair to empowerment.
“It’s not just about the allowance. Because I feel supported, I now have the
strength to do things like claim for disability allowance.
“My health got worse after I developed a rare condition called
hyperparathyroidism as a result of the operation. It’s a very isolating and
complex condition for which there is no cure. I struggled to find
information and had no idea how to manage my illness.
“I used an extra needs gift to buy a computer so I could research the
condition online.
“It’s revolutionised my life. I found Hyperparathyroidism UK, an organisation
set up to help sufferers like me.
“They give me practical support, help, guidance, and took me out of a black
hole of despair.
“I usually have to be on my knees before I will ask for help: until my
illness I’d never claimed benefits of any sort. But when I ask Elizabeth Finn
Care, the response is instantaneous. Help is given in a way that lets me
keep my dignity.
“The support I get from both organisations spurs me forward to achieve things
within my very limited capacity.”
Alan’s story
“I had been in nursing all my working life then I injured my back lifting a
patient. I managed to find other work in the profession for several years but a
car accident in 2003 finally put an end to my career.
“I was devastated when I was told I would no longer be able to do the job I
loved.
“When I was a district nurse I encouraged people to apply for state benefits
or to company benevolent funds. Most people were hesitant. Finding myself
in that position, I really understood how difficult it must have been for them.
“I tried the Department of Work and Pensions first. I was getting just
£80 a week and really needed help with the heating bills. They couldn’t help me
because I was under 60.
“Next I contacted my old union and applied for a Disability Living Allowance.
They said my injury wasn’t bad enough and turned me down.
“You begin to think there is no way out ⎯ which doesn’t help your frame of
mind.
Then I read a small article in the local paper about a charity that
helps people in need. I thought ‘all I can do is apply. If they turn me down,
I’ve lost nothing. If they accept me: then great’.
“As soon as I got the application form and saw how easy it was I felt lots
better. A volunteer interviewed me at home and a short time later I was
told I had been accepted. I felt as if a weight had been lifted from my
shoulders.
“The response was extremely quick and efficient. Everyone I dealt with
was so understanding and supportive. If they can’t help they will
always suggest another route or an organisation that might be able to help.
“I can’t tell you good it feels just knowing help is available. The
regular allowance has made such a difference to my life. Although they
don’t pay my heating bills, my monthly grant means those bills are no longer
insurmountable.
“I also get help with my car and household insurance. If I have a
crisis, like repairs to the house, it’s such a comfort knowing there is someone
looking out for me.
“I’m so much happier now I know money is coming in each month. Having
my car taxed and insured is a real lifeline. I can’t walk very far so without a
car I wouldn’t be able to go out.
“If you are unsure about applying for support, just give it a go. At
least call and speak to someone.”
John’s story
“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in my 90 years. I fought for my country in
the Second World War, then began a career in the steel industry. I worked for a
small steel manufacturer and discovered I was a talented craftsman with good
leadership skills. I helped to increase business four-fold.
“I have a couple of iconic landmarks to my name as well. I helped to
design, manufacture and build on site, the giant radio telescopes at Jodrell
Bank in Cheshire and the massive satellite dish aerials at Goonhilly Downs on
the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall.
“Eventually, I set up my own business which I successfully ran for over
quarter of a century. I had imagined I’d carry on working well beyond retirement
age. Then I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“Four years and four operations later, the cancer was in remission.
However, I discovered that extensive bills had been run up while I’d been out of
the business. Sadly, after 30 years, I had no alternative but to cease
trading to avoid bankruptcy.
“Coming on top of four years of fighting cancer, it was a big blow:
psychologically as well as financially. But being independent, I closed
the works and paid off all the creditors: some out of my own pocket.
“Not surprisingly, my wife Rose Mary and I never recovered from this. I
made sure no-one was left out-of-pocket but we had to live frugally. It
was difficult after a lifetime of working hard, paying our taxes and helping the
local economy by running a very successful business that employed over 40
people.
“The experience took its toll and Rose Mary died in 1999. Increasingly I had
to look to financial support beyond my meagre state pension to pay the utility
bills and regular car maintenance checks.
“I found out about the organisation that helps me on a visit to my local
housing foundation. Within weeks I was a beneficiary with much appreciated
extra funds to meet gas and electricity bills.
“At 90 years of age I’m still very independent, partly thanks to the help I
get. I find it very difficult to put into words my appreciation for all
the help they have given me”.
Francine’s story
“When my relationship broke up, I became the main breadwinner. I was a
psychiatric nurse until, four years ago when acute sciatica, brought on by
nursing work and pregnancy, forced me to retire early on medical grounds.
“I’m only in my forties and have three children, two of whom are under 10.
Raising the children on state benefits barely covers the absolute basics such as
food and bills.
“It was my mother who found out about a way forward. She worked at a
local Citizens' Advice Bureau and went to a staff talk about a charity looking
to help more people in the local area. It was one of the most helpful talks
she’s ever been to!
“Without this help, life would be a complete dread. Before, I had nothing to
give to the children at Christmas and on birthdays. Now I can make sure they
don't miss out on a present and that they can enjoy a simple, but nice, birthday
party like other kids.
“Thanks to the allowance I get which helps cover the bills, I’ve been able to
buy some playthings for my children including a climbing frame, scooter and a
bike. I’ve also been able to take them on cheap and cheerful camping trips
during the holidays with a tent bought from the extra money we've received from
the charity. It keeps them active and healthy.
“Without this support, life would be without anything that makes it worth
living.”