In your own words can you tell us a little bit about you and your family and your role in insurance.

I am a single mum to two amazing children both with additional needs at varying levels. My son has special needs and has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Condition and Global Development Delay. My daughter has complex medical needs, and at only two has already had four major operations and spent months in hospital. I have worked in insurance for 15 years and I absolutely love my job. It gives me time to be ‘Kim’ again – it’s a break from my caring responsibilities.

When did you first contact The Insurance Charity? Had you had any reservations about contacting us before you made contact?

In early 2022 I contacted the Charity after seeing an article online about various charity which support people who work in certain sectors. I had never heard of The Insurance Charity before, so I read the website and some of the other stories on there. I had reservations as most charity don’t support working people so I wasn’t sure I would even get any help, but I was desperate.

What did you contact The Insurance Charity for?

I contacted to ask for help with making our back garden a safe useable space and to level and tarmac the front to enable me to get both my children safely in and out of the car.

How did The Insurance Charity help you?

The Charity helped me by providing a grant for my back garden to be completely transformed into a space where both my children could spend time whilst being safe. They also provided a grant to turn my front garden into a drive meaning I could park the car right next to my front door and no longer had to leave one of my children in the car alone, and I didn’t have to struggle with my son and his wheelchair.

They also offered to give me a monthly payment to help towards spiralling costs of hospital visits. I was paying in excess of £200 just for parking during some hospital stays then there was food and fuel costs on top as my daughter has specialist treatment at three different hospitals.

Has your situation improved since receiving help from The Insurance Charity?

Our life has improved massively. My daughter had never felt grass, she had never been able to be outside because our garden just was not safe but since it has been done she is now able to enjoy the fresh air along with her brother. Even when it’s cold they like to get wrapped up and just be outside and they can be because it’s safe, secure, and level. The extra help received toward hospital costs has meant I’ve not had to struggle as much as I would have had to, especially with the increased cost of living. This additional support has been amazing.

Anything else you would like to add?

At Christmas this year I was in hospital with my daughter who needed urgent spinal surgery. I had completely forgotten about the Charity putting me on the list to receive a Christmas hamper. I was blown away by it the contents which were just beautiful and a very welcomed treat for my son who was really struggling with me not being there.

What would you say to anyone thinking of contacting us?

Do it!! This charity is just amazing the application process was so easy and quick I think it took about nine days in total from the day I first applied to the day I got a letter confirming the grant. I can honestly say they have given us so much more than just an outside space. They have given us the ability as a family to make memories for years to come and I will always be eternally grateful for that.