
Supporting a family after a life changing stroke
Mira, the wife of Daniel, a self employed carpenter, contacted the Lighthouse Charity after her husband suffered a severe stroke, leaving him hospitalised, unable to walk or speak, and resulting in an immediate loss of income. Despite reaching out to several charities and support agencies, she found no help until she discovered us through Parker Adams Limited, where her husband also worked.
Mira was left working 60 hours a week to cover living costs while caring for their son, who was struggling to process his father’s sudden illness. She was emotionally overwhelmed, exhausted, and felt lost, having to navigate this drastic change in her life.
After receiving Mira’s call, our team immediately provided support by directing her to the hospital’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), which could offer on-the-spot assistance. We also signposted to the Stroke Association for additional resources and support.
A full financial assessment revealed that the family was in crisis. While working long hours, Mira was also attempting to claim Universal Credit (UC) for her husband but faced significant challenges due to his inability to communicate effectively. We guided her on how PALS could assist with the UC application and further clarified the support available.
Mira also expressed concern about rising energy costs, with arrears and high monthly payments becoming unmanageable. We arranged a grant that cleared the energy bill arrears, providing significant relief and reducing their monthly expenses. To ease the financial strain, we arranged for three food deliveries spaced over 10-12 days, ensuring basic needs were met during this difficult time.
Recognising the emotional toll on Mira ‘s son, we advised her to seek support from the pastoral lead at his school for a referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). However, due to a waiting list, we stepped in and provided access to one of our own child counsellors. This intervention was very effective and beneficial for her son, who wrote his own heartfelt thank you card to our team.
Throughout the support process, we maintained ongoing contact, providing emotional reassurance, financial guidance, and practical resources tailored to the family’s needs.
Mira ‘s husband is now making a slow but positive recovery and has begun taking a few steps again. The financial strain has eased with the grant support and the grocery deliveries, allowing the couple to manage their household expenses more effectively. The emotional support offered to their son was transformative, helping him process his father’s health crisis and return to a sense of stability.
January 2025 Update on Mira’s story
“I’m pleased to share that Daniel is doing well and receiving excellent care. While he continues to cope with hemiparesis, we’ve made significant progress through physiotherapy sessions, and he has recently started therapy in the swimming pool, which has been incredibly uplifting for both of us.
Life remains busy, and my time is limited as I continue balancing work, family responsibilities, and my studies.
I want to express just how deeply grateful I am for the support you provided during the most challenging period of my life. When I felt physically and emotionally lost and overwhelmed while trying to be strong for my family, the Lighthouse Charity was the only one that offered us a true lifeline – both financially and emotionally.
We had a wonderful Christmas together, and I’m happy to say we’re slowly finding a sense of normalcy again. Daniel now has a care package in place at home, Momo has settled back into school, and I’m managing to balance work and studies with a renewed sense of hope.”
For free wellbeing support, call: 345 605 1956 (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI)
To help people like Mira and her family you can donate to the Lighthouse Charity today.