Catherine and her husband Ben had a plan for their family. When their daughter Siobhán was born, Catherine was going to take the first year off work to care for her, as they don’t have much family support around. They knew their budget would be tight, but they made it through.
Then, in Catherine’s first couple of weeks back at work she was rushed to hospital with a suspected stroke– later diagnosed as a lifelong neurological condition where she becomes weak down one side at any time. She tried to get back to work as much as possible but could only manage a couple of shifts a fortnight. Their family was doing it really tough.
Catherine told us: “On top of everything, it also became clear that it wasn’t safe to leave Siobhan with me when I was experiencing my condition. I felt completely useless. Ben was burning himself out trying to be everything for our family, and I was barely contributing – a mum who couldn’t even look after her own daughter.”
That’s when, thanks to Mission supporters, our Social Supermarket was able to make all the difference.
“The pressure the Social Supermarket lifted off our shoulders was just incredible. Groceries are the first thing you go without, so we knew that whatever happened we would still have food in the house. Importantly, there was no judgement from the Mission team. That matters because if you’re in a position where you have to ask someone for help with food, you’re at a real low point in your life. You feel tiny, so being treated with humanity and dignity in that situation makes you feel human again.”
Now, Catherine and Ben are in the black with their budget, managing Catherine’s condition as best they can, and are saving up for a trip to Australia at Christmas time to be with family.
“We have a lot of hope for the future, and we know we’re only able to look forward now because we were supported when we needed it. To everyone who donates, I don’t think you can truly realise the massive impact you’re making on families like ours. For us, it meant knowing your little girl is fine because you’re going to the Social Supermarket the next day. So thank you for your kindness. You just can’t predict what might happen in your life, and in that moment, being able to reach out to people who genuinely just want to help is invaluable.
You can be here for families like Catherine, Ben and Siobhán this Christmas!
