How ABTA-BEN has helped - some recent cases
The following cases all demonstrated a need for help and were judged accordingly, and whilst all were in some way different, they show the extent and variety of the benefit that ABTA-BEN are able to provide.
My twin sister Amy and I were born prematurely, and as a result I was very ill. But thanks to the generosity of the ABTA Benevolent Fund, my mother has bought me a special suit which supports my body and makes it possible for me to walk - and even ride my cycle -- Rebecca.
A retired employee of a travel agency with 14 years service, had been caring with his wife for their mentally disabled son since birth. But with the couple getting older, and the son's needs ever more demanding, they were faced with a dilemma: either to consider placing him in a nursing home, or have their own home adapted to manage the situation. Luckily the local authority assisted, but only up to a point, so the ABTA-BEN trustees agreed to contribute £3,500 towards the costs of furnishing and equipping the resulting extra and special bedroom.
A travel agency manager retired to Devon after 19 years employment but both she and her partner (also from the travel industry) are registered disabled, and lived in a "cold, damp, house needing repairs". ABTA-BEN considered that their quality of life would be greatly enhanced by the installation of a central heating system, and contributed £5,000 towards its installation. "It has certainly made a huge difference to our lives", she wrote.
An ex-serviceman had worked in the travel industry for more than 10 years. In recent times he suffered with severe arthritis and his mobility was further restricted by a stroke. The ABTA-BEN trustees agreed to contribute £1,000 to purchase an electric scooter to give him greater freedom from his current housebound environment.
A married man with three young children works as a senior business travel consultant of an ABTA member. When his son was diagnosed with leukaemia the family were in crisis and applied to ABTA-BEN for help. The trustees immediately arranged for a home visit to talk through the family's financial problems and having assessed their situation, awarded a grant of £3,500 to help them pay necessary bills.
A married lady who had worked for ABTA members for 14 years became seriously disabled after unsuccesful surgery. Her husband became her carer and although he received a carer's allowance, a much reduced income meant that the family fell into debt. ABTA-BEN agreed to award a grant of £2,500 to purchase a special therapy bath, settle some pressing debts and fund the cost of a much needed holiday.
Employed for 23 years in the travel industry, a married lady had been a wheelchair-bound paraplegic for over 10 years. ABTA-BEN considered that the best way of improving the quality of her life would be a special wheelchair, unfortunately not available through Social Services, so the trustees were pleased to be able to contribute £2,000 towards its cost.
ABTA-BEN thanks the above people for their permission to describe recent examples of how they have been helped by ABTA-BEN.