L’s story

I considered myself a very fit and healthy person and I had never had any major health issues, so when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, it was a huge shock. I’d naively thought because I was young and healthy, income protection insurance and critical illness cover wasn’t on my list of priorities. One of my worries while I was sick and off work for several months was how to pay my mortgage and afford the bills – or even just put food on the table. When you’re in a situation like mine, where you can’t work, the last thing you need to add to the stress is worries about money. But then the Benevolent Fund came to the rescue. I still remember the day they said they would offer me help. I was so overwhelmed with relief and gratitude I couldn’t stop crying. I’m so grateful to them and all the members that support the Fund. The grant was a huge help to me and my family and it was one less thing to worry about during that difficult time. I can’t thank the Fund enough – it’s beyond words.

I am pleased to say that I made a good recovery. I am back at work and am financially independent once again. I would strongly advise all locums and self-employed optometrists to take out Critical Illness Cover. If I had done so, I would have been in a much better position when I became ill. Thank goodness the Benevolent Fund was there when I needed it.

Thanks again for everything.