Abigail's story
When you meet Abigail you might be forgiven for
thinking that this attractive, bubbly woman in her
mid-twenties with a beautiful young daughter has
everything going for her. When you have the chance
to hear something of her story you see that this
is a long way from the truth.
Abigail joined the Pearl straight from school, initially
as a typist. A couple of years later she met her
husband to be, Steve, a mad keen sports fan and an
ambitious professional. They married in 1994 and
were delighted at the birth of their daughter, Yasmin,
a year later. Steve's career progressed well despite
a short period of time off work due too kidney problems.
A family holiday in 1996 was cut short when Steve
was taken seriously ill with Wegeners Granulomotosis,
an auto immune disease affecting the nasal passages,
kidneys and lungs. The diagnosis could not have come
at a worse time as Steve had been with his then current
employer for just a short period of time and his
employment could, therefore, be legally terminated
due to his inability to continue in his role. He
was provided with home dialysis equipment whilst
awaiting transplant surgery. Abigail continued to
work on a part-time basis whilst looking after her
ailing husband and young child.
The couple received little by way of financial support
from the DSS and their financial position deteriorated
dramatically. Abigail's employer referred her to
The Insurance Charities. We were able to offer practical
advice on the family's benefit entitlements as well
as immediate financial support, given their on-going
financial commitments.
Steve and Abigail were determined to try to survive
and Steve even secured full time work during a period
of remission. Unfortunately, his condition then took
a turn for the worse and just a few months later
he was unable to walk properly or use his hands -
a frightening and distressing state for someone with
a young wife and child. Steve died in November 1998.
Family and friends have given practical help and
The Insurance Charities have provided much needed
financial support to Abigail and Yasmin. Abigail
says "I don't know where I would have been without
The Insurance Charities. Whenever I needed their
help, either financially or in coping with the practical
aspects of my situation, they were great. There was
no fuss and I now feel far more in control of my
life. With their help, I am able to be far better
organized and, in the long term, I probably won't
need their help".
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