Ada's Story
My husband Gerald, a serving flight sergeant in the RAF, sustained a brain injury following Encephalitis, a very serious illness that almost claimed his life. In November 2007 he was airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus where the family was on detachment. Gerald and I were at Selly Oak for just over five months, during which time our children remained in Cyprus. SSAFA was with our family from day one, providing emergency fostering for the children and financial assistance for all, making sure that we were all OK, despite the circumstances.
I was introduced to the FISP group very early on, whilst making use of the SSAFA Norton Home at Headley Court. Meeting with Fran, Gilly, Sue and Jane gave me the confidence to carry on at a time when I felt desperate and lonely. The group has grown incredibly since then and our friendship and resolve deepened even further. My greatest debt though is to all of you that have and continue to donate. Your donations and your time (for SSAFA has many volunteers whose countless efforts we have relied on) have made a real difference to our life and contribute so much to the group. No words can ever say how grateful we are.