ISM Members Fund: how we help

Joanna was diagnosed with leukaemia just after she had taken out a mortgage to be able to stay in the house where she lived with her two school-aged children following the breakup of her marriage. She needed a long period of intensive treatment and was unable to work for a year. To help her through this the Fund made a regular contribution towards her monthly mortgage payments. Happily, Joanna is now clear of her illness and back working a full timetable. She wrote:

'it is so wonderful to know that there is this marvellous group of people who have made it possible for me to keep my home'.

John was left almost completely paralysed by a stroke at the age of 35. The Fund covers the costs of his computer, which helps him to communicate and to pursue his musical interests. His father wrote:

'it does mean a great deal to him that musicians support their sick colleagues to such an extent. We know that things would not be so comfortable for him without your continued valued support'.

Dorothy, aged 80, supplements her pension income with private teaching in order to support herself and her daughter who has a mental health condition. The Fund helped her during a period when she had to give up this teaching to undergo chemotherapy. She wrote:

'I found myself overwhelmed to receive the Fund's cheque ... and am still setting my sights on my 100th birthday'.

When Terry's marriage broke up, he faced a period of financial stress because he was paying not only the mortgage on the family home but rent on his new accommodation and legal fees associated with his divorce. The Fund helped him over this difficult period. He wrote:

'the Fund's support came at just the right time. It gave me renewed confidence that I can continue with my battle to gain access to my young children'.

Please consider giving to the Members Fund.