Almost exactly one year ago, I was diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer. I had just moved back to Ireland with my wife to settle down and set up our home for the future. We were devastated. I was just two months into a new job and my wife was still job-hunting. Because I had just returned to Ireland I did not have enough tax credits to receive illness benefit.

Not knowing where to turn, my first port of call was to the RIAI – I knew I would have to stop work but did not want to lose my registration. I explained my situation and within 24 hours, received a phone call from the IABS offering support. I met with two of the IABS directors and straight away they rowed in to help. To be honest, we would not have got through that first Christmas in Ireland – either financially or emotionally – without the support they gave.

Their help was exactly what we needed – they provided monthly financial support while I underwent gruelling chemotherapy treatment, followed by surgery, and then reduced the payments as I gradually returned to work. But it wasn’t just about the money – my caseworkers were there for me every step of the way. I felt they really cared. That meant a lot. They kept saying to me “you just work at getting better, we will take care of the bills”. And they did.

I am very glad to say that I am now cancer-free and back working full time. I will never forget the support the IABS gave and hope to pay them back some day.