Steve and Bobbie May

21.11.2025

Dorset

Advice & Support Team

The May family consisting of husband and wife, Steve and Bobbie, have had a tough few years navigating illness and carer responsibilities, however through the connection with Dorset Freemasons, Kath, an MCF Adviser who is a member of the Advice and Support Team (AST), was able to help the family manage their challenges.

As well as the responsibility of caring for Bobbie’s live-in mother, aged 92, Steve has dealt with a heart condition since 2008. This condition has greatly affected his ability to work and as it continues to worsen, can leave him bedridden and unable to walk. Without the ability to attend employment and bring in money, the family found themselves in a crisis requiring financial support.

This is where Kath got involved and supported the family in applying for support from the MCF, which has provided a much-needed relief on their difficult situation. Further to this, Kath was able to provide advice on reducing the debt to their energy bills and supported their application to the Victor Donaldson Fund to get new windows and doors, for better insulation and cheaper bills in the longer term.

The Advice and Support Team (AST) offers a free and confidential service for Freemasons and their families. The Advisers work regionally across England and Wales offering face-to-face or telephone advice and support on a wide range of issues, this includes talking about financial difficulties, assisting with applications for MCF support and discussing the best approach to meeting care needs.

Having assisted each member of the May family, Kath maintained strong relationships with of them, leading them to trust the advice and support she provided.

When asked about Kath’s role in supporting them, Steve said “Kath has been amazing, she’s like a family member to us.”

Earlier in the year, Steve was in hospital for seven weeks, adding to the toll on the family. Living in Poole, Bobbie visited Steve at Bournemouth Hospital every day. During this period, Kath was able to provide strong emotional support to the family, making a difficult period a little better.

The support from the MCF has changed a lot in our lives and we’re very grateful for the help we received. In return, we try and give back to the MCF through taking part in activities like a summer fair to try and raise awareness for the charity.
Steve