Seeing light at the end of the tunnel

With the help of the LTC, Robert and Marie Stokes have been there to support each other

Each quarter the Licensed Trade Charity monitors the areas in which the organisation offers vital support. In July to September this year, over £270,000 was paid out in grants, an increase of 11% from the last quarter.

It will come as no surprise that the majority of calls dealt with and grants allocated by the LTC are in regard to assistance with living costs. This is due, in part, to retirement housing. However, there are also a number of calls from people facing imminent homelessness who don't have anyone else, or anywhere else, to turn to.

In addition, the LTC receives a number of calls from those who are looking for support and assistance in their everyday lives.

Robert and Marie Stokes dedicated over 25 years to running a pub and developed a successful business that was known to everyone in the local area.

At just 44, Robert was diagnosed with the disabling neurological condition multiple sclerosis, which affects around 85,000 people in the UK alone. The couple, who have been together for 40 years, were able to keep running the pub for a number of years, but when Robert's condition worsened in 1994, they were forced to retire from the trade so that Marie could become Robert's full-time carer.

Robert started to use a wheelchair, and with Marie's support, they were able to continue living as normal life as possible, going on holidays and enjoying trips out.

Unfortunately, following a routine mammogram in 1999, Marie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. While she was in hospital, carers offered their support and called several times a day to look after Robert.

For the next five years Marie was in good health and able to continue caring for Robert.

Last year, Marie was taken ill again, following problems relating to her earlier treatment. With support from the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Robert was able to stay in the couple's home while Marie was in hospital.

Although Marie recovered fully, she now suffers from osteoporosis and the couple have moved closer to their family so that they can support Robert, should Marie fall ill again.

The couple contacted the LTC to ask for help to buy an electrically-powered scooter to help with Robert's mobility.

Marie was struggling with the wheelchair, which was becoming too heavy for her to push and also to manoeuvre, so that she could lift Robert on and off safely. The couple were incurring costly travel expenses and had to rely on public transport, which was becoming increasingly difficult to use.

Following a visit from an LTC volunteer visitor, who helped Robert and Marie with their application, their request was presented to the LTC's welfare committee. The committee awarded the couple over £2,000, which en-abled Robert and Marie to buy the scooter.

"We are no strangers to receiving calls similar to Robert and Marie's," said Liz Gaffer, director of charity and marketing services for the Licensed Trade Charity.

"The couple have dealt brilliantly with their situation and we hope that we have contributed to help make life that little bit easier. We are able to assist through the vital support of our members, volunteers and company generosity through donations.

"The Licensed Trade Charity is here to help anyone who has worked or is still working in the licensed drinks trade and is in need of assistance, however big or small.

"Each and every call or request is dealt with individually and considered by our welfare committee. If you know someone who could benefit from contacting the LTC, or if you are in need of assistance yourself, then please do call on the LTC and they will try to help in any way they can."