East Lancashire
Care, Health and wellbeing, Support for Freemasons and families
Derek’s story
When Derek’s wife, Pam, had a stroke nine years ago, it left her disabled.
Although professional carers visited four times a day, Derek was responsible for looking after his wife between visits, and it took its toll. Last summer, he was diagnosed with a heart condition, and the operation he needed would require several weeks of recovery time.
“The local council had offered some funding for respite care, but it was nowhere near enough. I couldn’t cover the rest of the cost on my own, and I had no idea what I was going to do.
I explained my situation to the MCF, and thankfully they were able to give me a grant to cover the remainder of the cost of the care. That meant that I could get the surgery I needed, satisfied that Pam would be looked after while I was recovering.
“I am so grateful for the support I received. Having my caring responsibilities taken away after my operation meant that I had the time and space to focus on my own health and reach a point where I was well enough to care for Pam myself again. We are both extremely grateful.”
