fundsbread

I joined a Bread Fund in September 2012. Just three days later, I had a stroke that left me with speech difficulties, stopping me from working as a freelance journalist and events producer.

As a freelancer I couldn’t get sick pay but my Bread Fund provided me with an income until I recovered sufficiently to start work again. I was a bit ashamed to apply so soon, but I was astonished at the support I got from everyone. Because of the fund, I could take the time I needed to fully recover.

In 20 years as a carpenter I had never been off work for more than a week. Then one day, I was working on a machine when a loud bang outside surprised me and I caught my thumb in the machine. I needed an operation to fix it. My Bread Fund supported me financially, and the members sent me messages with practical tips.

I was back at work after three months, and in this time my Bread Fund meant more to me than financial support.