When Olivia’s husband, Peter, had a major stroke, time stood still. As the shock settled, the couple looked to adapt to their new lives.
The stroke had left Peter paralysed down the right-hand side of his body. He could no longer use the stairs in their home. They moved things around but it wasn’t a long-term solution. The house needed major adaptations for them to be able to continue their lives there.
But they couldn’t afford the adaptations they needed. They were faced with the prospect of being forced out of their family home. This was the home where they’d raised their two children. It was the home where Peter felt safe and comfortable.
That’s when Olivia reached out to us for help.
We listened and we looked at the whole picture. Our priority was helping to restore independence in the family home. We found that we could pay towards the installation of a wet room and downstairs bedroom. This would enable and empower the whole family on their rehabilitation journey.
I started donating to this charity when I joined the Civil Service over 30 years ago. I never thought that I would ever need help myself.
After something as lifechanging as this, you just want some normality back for your family. From the moment I contacted the Charity for Civil Servants, I felt like they understood that. I was amazed by their generosity and felt supported every step of the way.
This is a fantastic charity, and I can’t thank you enough.
*Some elements of this story have been anonymised or changed to protect the person’s identity.
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