Beneficiaries' stories - Case studies 7 - 12

Patience is a virtue

David Patience was Financial Director of Horstman Controls but in June 2004 his life was turned upside down when the car he was driving was involved in a road traffic accident, which left him paralysed from the chest down.

Fortunately his wife and children were unscathed. After a year in hospital, he is now determined to get back to work and would like to become a non-executive director of his local Primary Care Trust.

He has updated his CV and will shortly undertake a course of study to obtain a Diploma in Company Direction. He will also achieve fellowship status of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

To enable him to return to work, he needed transport that is easily accessible by a wheelchair. A suitably adapted vehicle cost £14,500. He approached the EEIBA who arranged a visit by a voluntary visitor.

Together with a social worker they researched and produced a list of charities that they could apply to for help. Having managed to find £6,000 themselves, David and his wife were pleased to receive help from the EEIBA and a number of other charities to produce the balance that allowed them to purchase the vehicle. The Regional Welfare Officer reports that he is extremely impressed with David's positive attitude, resilience and determination to get out of the house and back to work.

David says" My family were unhurt so I can count myself a lucky man. I am also extremely grateful to all those who have helped."

Back to Case Studies 7 - 12