Patrick was a chemical engineer for over 45 years. He had always been so proud of his profession, and I’ve always been so proud of him in turn. I’m so glad he had the opportunity to have such a long career doing what he loved.

It was a shock to us both when Patrick was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy. It’s a rare brain disorder that affects movement, balance, and speech. We’ve been married for 57 years, and it’s draining to see someone you love going through something as hard as this. Patrick has always been active and had such a successful career. The prospect of slowly losing his independence was difficult for him to accept.

With the help of a carer, Patrick was able to climb the stairs in our home to access the bathroom. I could see that this was more and more of a challenge each day. I was filled with worry that he might end up falling. We realised we’d need a disability shower downstairs, but this was easier said than done. We soon knew we’d have to convert the downstairs toilet and this would require costly building work.

We’d never thought about the Benevolent Fund until one of the staff at our GP surgery suggested it. We did not think it was for us. When we contacted them the team were so friendly and supportive. They listened to us and provided helpful advice.

When the news came through that they’d awarded us a grant to contribute towards the cost of funding the adaptations it was a happy moment for us. We were both taken aback by the offer to help. We did not realise the Benevolent Fund could be so helpful.

It’s made such a big difference to both of us now that the building work has been completed. Patrick can now shower again, and he really enjoys every shower he takes. We all take something as simple as being able to take a shower in our own home for granted. It brings us both such joy that he’s been given this little piece of his life back.

We’ll be recommending the Benevolent Fund to our former colleagues. We encourage any past or present member of the chemical engineering community to reach out to them. If you’re not sure where else to turn like we were, they’ll be there for you.