Beneficiaries' stories - Case studies 13 - 18

A Shepherd to the rescue

Balfour Beatty has a team of 'shepherds' who voluntarily work with, and help their pensioners when they are in need.

Marie Proudlove, a Balfour Beatty pensioner whose late husband worked at BICC Wrexham for many years, lives alone and has failing health, which meant she could not use her stairs without extreme discomfort.

Marie could not afford a lift, so 'shepherd' Bryan Willeard contacted the EEIBA seeking help.

Our Regional Welfare Officer got to work and organised a visit from Social Services who agreed that a stair lift was essential. However, with an estimated waiting time of 2 years 9 months before installation, this was just not satisfactory.

So with the help of other charities, EEIBA funded a lift for Marie. Bryan said, "The EEIBA assessed the case and agreed with other help, to finance it.

The money came through and the stair lift was installed in a matter of months. There is no doubt that her quality of life has improved."

At her home in Glyn Ceiriog where she has lived all her life, Marie said, "It is just wonderful, the lift has made such a difference to my day to day life. My grateful thanks to all those people who made it possible."

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