Issue 13: Spring/Summer 2024
Children and Young People, Daily living costs, Support for Freemasons and families
Brighter days ahead: care for a family and their children
As a self-employed single parent, Neil faced overwhelming responsibilities when his daughter fell ill. However, with the support he received from the MCF, his daughter successfully returned to university. Now, they are in a better place, both emotionally and financially.
In late 2020, Neil’s daughter, Lucy, suddenly became ill and was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a brain condition that affects movement, speech, and triggers seizures.
He became her full-time carer, supporting her recovery journey meant adjusting her life entirely, including learning to walk again. Lucy also had to defer her place at The University of Edinburgh.
Being a self-employed single parent, Neil felt isolated whilst taking care of Lucy, especially amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. His family’s income also significantly dropped as he dedicated most of his time to her care, rendering him unable to work. Lucy’s unexpected diagnosis turned their world upside down.
Initially wary of reaching out to the MCF for support, Neil began an application for a grant following the advice of his Lodge Almoner.
An MCF Visiting Volunteer visited us at home to assess the extent of support we needed. Her empathy and understanding, as well as her knowledge of what was available, was a great comfort at a difficult time.
Fortunately, the grant awarded to Neil’s family covered their daily living costs during his daughter’s recovery. It included assistance to purchase a wheelchair for Lucy, which immediately relieved the regular hire cost Neil had been paying. Several modifications were also made to their home to help his daughter regain some of her independence.
The MCF’s support to Neil’s family allowed them to get back on track. He was slowly able to work more hours, and Lucy was given the best possible chance to recover and resume life as a student.
Almost 12 months to the day since she became ill, I am pleased to say that Lucy returned to Edinburgh with some adjustments and has been able to resume her studies. She’s in line to graduate with a First Class Degree when her course finishes this year, and over the summer break, she’s accepted a paid internship at a newspaper in Glasgow.
Lucy is now in her final year of university and has been working part-time for The National in Glasgow as a reporter since the autumn. Neil told us that, “she’s had a few front pages and is hoping for a full-time role after university. She has also been nominated for young journalist of the year at the Scottish Press Awards!”
Neil and his family are now in a much better financial and emotional situation. With Lucy back at university, Neil no longer has to worry about how his family will get by or if his daughters will be okay.
Without the help of the MCF, our family would have sunk, and we will always be grateful for the help we received at the most difficult time in our lives. I would encourage anyone in a similar position to get in touch with the MCF.
Visit mcf.org.uk/DailyLivingCost-BL13 to find out more.
