I live near Kings Lynn and have been in Norfolk all my life. I started working in the insurance industry at 18 and have done ever since, which is 12 years now. 

In September 2024 I had a breast screening after finding a lump. It was thought to be fibroadenoma and I was sent for minor surgery to have it removed.

Unfortunately, after this I was diagnosed with a high-grade invasive cancer and told I would need chemotherapy every three weeks for five months, followed by three weeks of radiotherapy. My diagnosis came just a week after I’d got a mortgage on a new property I had bought.

At that time I relied on overtime in addition to my basic pay and was concerned my treatment would mean I couldn’t undertake extra or even my contracted hours. I worried about keeping up with my mortgage repayments. 

Just before starting my treatment back in December, I reached out to Macmillan and found I wasn’t eligible for any help.

I contacted The Insurance Charity after I was strongly encouraged to by my manager at work. I was hesitant because I didn’t think I’d be eligible for any financial help and had never heard of the charity before.

The Insurance Charity has taken away any financial worries I had by paying a monthly amount to help cover my essential living costs. 

As a result of the support, I feel less pressure to work when I’ve been feeling unwell due to my chemotherapy. I haven’t had to be mindful of the little things, such as putting the heating on more when it’s been cold or buying healthier (more expensive) foods. 

I had my reservations about reaching out to The Insurance Charity because I’d never heard of them and I thought if a well-known charity like Macmillan couldn’t help me, surely a charity I’ve never heard of wouldn’t be able to.

I could never have been more wrong. The financial support I’ve had from you has been life-changing, and I will be eternally grateful. After getting the keys to my first house about a week before my diagnosis, I had been worried about my mortgage and various other bills, so your financial contribution has taken off the pressure to work when I’ve been feeling unwell or tired. My only regret is that I didn’t contact you sooner. Thank you again, so much.

My advice to anyone thinking of contacting the Charity, is don’t put off getting in touch. 

*Name changed and stock imagery used for confidentiality