Dear Chloe,

I have been a lone parent since my younger daughter Bethanie was 4 days old. Over the last 5 years that Beth has been seriously ill I have quickly depleted my life savings that I worked so hard to achieve. I ended up surviving on benefits and support from my sister, this does not make me feel comfortable, I have always been independent and proud to be able to financially support my little family, just another thing that this experience has taken from us.

Due to Beth’s condition being incurable and probably degenerative I envisage that the majority of my time will be devoted to supporting and looking after her. It feels wrong to just claim benefits so I do as much charity work as I can fit in around my daughter, I help a children’s charity that works with non verbal and vulnerable children, mainly work I can do from home, it makes me feel a little easier about claiming benefits.

Part of my daughters condition leaves her with a low immune system, making her vulnerable to bugs. She has already had Pseudamonus, something which we all have on our skin, for her it meant it attacked the skin around her central line and made her very ill. It can breed in damp conditions, I was forever cleaning condensation from my windows and trying to seal the frames to prevent further damp.

I realised that I had to get new windows and doors for my daughters sake, I could not continue like this. A friend told me about a government grant you could claim towards the cost. I called them but as I am not working they said I was not entitled to claim. The lady must have heard the despair in my voice, as she then said that there was a company she knew of that did full grants in some circumstances, she did not seem hopeful but said that she would try.

When I had a call from Help To Buy I had a glimmer of hope, I filled out all of the forms and sent them back.

When I got a call to say that I would get new doors and windows I could not believe it, I cried with relief, such a huge potential medical risk to my daughter was going to be resolved. It was not until the doors and windows were installed that the reality of how fortunate we are to receive such a hugely genius gift sunk in.

No more constantly wiping condensation from the windows, listening to the wind blowing open the letter box, not being able to get back in through the back door without brute force, being able to open the windows without the handles falling off or the fear that they might actually fall out!!

I wanted you to know that you have not just replaced our windows and doors, to us it means so much more. It has restored my faith in humanity, thank you to everyone who has contributed to this scheme. My amazing and resilient daughter is now much safer medically, she feels safer knowing that no one can get in, that the doors and windows are now secure.

I asked Beth what she thought of the windows and doors: she loves the sound the front door makes when it opens- like an air lock (clearly not used to a door that fits or closes properly!) She says they look lovely and they look strong and safe. Beth says thank you to everyone, she can not believe either that there are actually some lovely people in the world who do care about others.

Bethanie went through more than any of us could ever even dare to imagine in our worst nightmares, yet she has come out the other side, she has grown into a lovely sweet young lady, she is kind, considerate and very talented, she has an interview for an Art College tomorrow, although the course will have to be tailored to meet her needs she does not let anything get in her way. Having missed out on 4 years of school, she now appreciates being able to access education and does not take it for granted.

A huge thank you to everyone involved, I will never forget what you have done for us, if I am ever lucky enough to come into any money I will of course repay you.

Kind regards

Nicky