“When I joined the WRNS in 1963, and then the AOW in 1974, it never entered my mind that in years to follow I would be in need of help… An accident has changed my life and now a new beginning can commence when I move to be nearer my son. It just never seems enough to say thank you, but it is my sincerest thanks to both the WRNS BT and the Royal Navy Officers’ Charity for the wonderful support extended to me… 2019 can begin for me in a much better way, and your kind help is making this happen. Thank you for rescuing me.” — A 75yr old former Wren, long ago divorced from a former RN officer after a 30-year marriage, who first came to our attention after release from hospital after a fall in which she badly broke her hip. While she awaited a temporary Local Authority care package, we were able to provide a grant of £300 for travel costs in relation to her (disabled) son visiting daily from his home to provide the support that she sorely needed, and given her low income, a Regular Charitable Payment by way of a Weekly Maintenance Grant. It being evident that she would be better off living near her son (a move which would benefit them both), the Trust was shortly after able to provide £540 to meet her (within County) removal costs, and made referral to the Royal Naval Officers’ Charity for additional consideration. RNOC kindly awarded a grant of £2.5k, which would include cover for carpeting and a cooker for her new home as well as meet other in-year needs.
“Our lady ‘Jean’ will be greatly missed. She was one of a kind – unique, endearing in her generosity of heart, and inspiring in so many ways. Thank you and the whole team of the WRNS Benevolent Trust for all you did to help ‘Jean’ for so many years, and for helping all the other very deserving ‘Jeans’ in need. I just wish I had been able to help her one last time. Sadly, this is too little too late, but is the start of catching up an arrears of promised help for ‘Jean’, and once done, I will be a more reliable supporter of your wonderful caring Trust.” — The daughter of a former Wren resident in Canada, whose mother had decided to sponsor a random beneficiary of her generation—we identified a fellow former Wren who had seen wartime service, was in receipt of a Regular Charitable Payment from the Trust, and had occasional need for additional assistance. On the death of her mother, the daughter continued to honour her mother’s wishes, and the Trust received a little in excess of £3k over several years. Sadly, our beneficiary, whom we had identified simply as “Jean”, died unexpectedly during the summer of this year, aged 94 years. While we had to break this news to the sponsor, she has responded with an exceedingly generous gift of £2k to the Trust to help us carry on our good work—far from her humble descriptor “this is too little late” within her kind missive above.
“I am writing on behalf of my son... to thank you for providing him with financial assistance to have a much needed holiday. Without your help, it would not have been possible for (us) to pay for this. It was especially important for him to have a holiday at this time, as he has had a very difficult year or so through illness and several admissions to hospital. It has given him a much needed boost and made a great difference to his general wellbeing. Once again, thank you for your help, which has been greatly appreciated.” — A 67yr old former Wren, whose youngest son, 38yrs of age, had recently moved into permanent nursing care after being looked after by his parents for many years. He suffers from a severe genetic epileptic condition, with very frequent seizures triggered by things as simple as noise and handling, sometimes leading to such extreme fatigue that he is unable to leave his bed without use of a hoist. The Trust was pleased to provide a grant of £2k to help fund a one-week respite break coupled with constant care support, at a facility, which he had attended before. In parallel with this, RNBT provided funding of £1.8k for an Occupational Therapist-recommended bed, extension kit (he is very tall), and mattress, which were not available through the NHS or Local Authority, and Poppyscotland £212 towards the respite break.
“My delight and gratitude to yourselves in helping me again, at a very stressful time when I was struggling with my hearing after it had deteriorated significantly since my previous aids were fitted 4–5 years ago (an ongoing problem since 2000), cannot be emphasised enough… The only way I can think of to let you know how much you have improved my quality of life with this disability is to describe the details of the day the new ones were fitted last month. On my return home, the first thing I did was to put the kettle on, then switch on the TV. I was astounded when the sound resonated around my lounge and even more aghast when I went to the volume control and saw it was on 69. Imagine my amazement when I turned it right down to 28 and could hear it perfectly. So I will end this letter by sending you my most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your help in returning the normal world to me.” — An 84yr old former Wren, deaf since a very young age, previously assisted with a grant of £1.5k in 2012 towards domestic boiler replacement, and on this occasion, given exceptional consideration towards the cost of replacement hearing aids with a grant of £2.7k, her deafness having been exacerbated by the fact that the NHS had been unable to resolve the issue for her.
“My sister and I just wanted to thank you so much for being the first link in the chain to the support for our mother which was confirmed yesterday. We are so grateful and could not have conceived of a better outcome, with support from the WRNS BT, and from the Army Benevolent Fund based on our father's service. My mother was also very grateful for the book you sent her on the history of the Wrens. She can't really see it but likes having it to show others, and it sparks reminiscences about her time working on the submarines.” — The daughters of a former Wren, aged 98 years at time of application, long widowed from a very young age and now resident in a nursing home. With her funds diminished to the level at which the Local Authority could assist, the Trust was able to liaise with the family, arranging contact with the Officers Association (OA) on the strength of her late husband’s Army service, and consider assistance towards a very high third-party shortfall in care funding. From October 2019, the Trust was able to provide a grant of £100 per week, which was supplemented by grants of £55pw by the OA, and exceptionally, £85pw by the Army Benevolent Fund/The Soldiers’ Charity. Sadly, our lady passed away in early 2020, her one hundredth year.
“I cannot express how grateful I am for all the help RNBT, WRNS BT and SSAFA have given me. Without all of this support I doubt that my (domestic) move could have gone ahead, so please convey my warmest thanks to all involved.” — A 71yr old former Wren and RN widow, who after his long illness had lost her 74yr old husband just a year previously. During 2013, with her part-time employment unexpectedly ceased, WRNS BT and RNBT had provided £500 each to assist with daily expenses during the protracted stages of her husband’s terminal cancer, and in 2015 RNBT assisted with £600 for Car Repairs, with no other help being required at that time. In April 2019, WRNS BT exceptionally approved a grant of £346 to meet outstanding veterinary fees, £500 to clear an Overdraft and £426 to cover Removal Costs to allow this lady to move from a housing association-rented house to a bungalow more suitable to her own needs. Also at this time, RNBT awarded our lady (as an RN widow) a Regular Charitable Payment of £32pw. This joint approach by the charities, combined with a most welcome move to a smaller Housing Association-rented property, has allowed our client to make a fresh start after many demanding years.
“I would like to thank the WRNS Benevolent Trust for your recent grant awarded to me. The £500 grant will greatly help me to reduce my financial problems and the associated worry that I have experienced. The reduction in my financial worries will now allow me to concentrate on improving my health and the quality of my life.” — A 46yr old former Wren and RN rating, who we were pleased to assist alongside the Royal Navy Benevolent Trust (RNBT), by meeting arrears of rent and related charges totalling £968 owed for a period when she was unwell and unable to cope.
“I just wanted to send an email to tell you… how thankful I am for all your help and support… Thank you for absolutely everything. ” — The 26yr old only daughter and only child of a former Wren, who died unexpectedly in tragic circumstances at the age of 51yrs. The Trust and SSAFA combined to support this young woman through the early days of her shocking loss. The Trust awarded a grant of £1.4k to meet the full cost of our lady’s minimalist funeral, the case initiated, processed and finalised within 14 days of first notification.
“I will be writing to you as well, but thought I'd send you a photo of how happy you've made me feel. Thanks to you, I can now walk my dog on my own for the first time in about 5 years! Thank you so much! I have also received a letter to say my stair lift application has gone through and they will be in touch soon to arrange the installation date! Thank you for giving me back some of my independence. Words are not enough to say how you have made me feel. Sending a massive cyber hug.” — In November 2019, the Trust was very pleased to fund an electric scooter for this former Wren, giving her the ability to leave the family home independently, and perfect for taking her dog for daily walks in the hilly locality. She relishes a new-found sense of freedom, access to fresh air in the countryside and a most welcome lifting of spirits. The Trust was also able to help negotiate an award from The Royal British Legion to assist with the installation of a stair lift. Immensely grateful for our assistance, the beneficiary has offered the charity her support, seeking to fundraise through her excellent artwork.
“I’d like to thank you. I was overwhelmed by your generosity with the donation towards my driving lessons, and Christmas. I’ll now be able to help my mum get around, and hopefully do all of the things she wants to do. The money for Christmas means we can enjoy a lovely meal (cooked by me!), and presents. The money you have given will make such a huge difference and is a step towards giving my mum a better quality of life. Thank you for helping ease the strain from this painful situation.” — The 21yr-old daughter, acting as the main carer for her 59yr-old mother, a former Wren tragically suffering from the early onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. On the recommendation of both SSAFA and our lady’s Dementia Support Worker, the Trust agreed to provide £293.00 to help toward the daughter’s driving lessons – a young woman, hoping to qualify as occupational therapist, who has already sacrificed so much of her life in caring for her mother. The Grants Committee also saw fit to provide an additional £500.00 to help with additional general needs, and have invited a further case for review once entitlement fuller State benefits has been clarified.
“A big thank you for your kind and very generous donation for the renewal of the roof to my utility room. It will prove a great luxury after the winter I have just had, mopping and sponging up the rain 5 or 6 times each day - which is not easy as I am firing on one hip and minus two knees. Little did I think at Quarterly Settlement, when I was contributing to the Trust, that one day in the far future I would be so thankful for its existence. ” — An 82yr old former Wren and Royal Marine widow, living in fairly isolated Welsh countryside. We contributed £1,500.00 towards essential roof and ceiling repairs costing £2,465.00, following on from £750.00 from the RNBT. The case was also referred to the RMBF, while SSAFA stood ready to meet the residual balance of £215.00. In addition to our one-off grant, we awarded the applicant a regular General Amenity Grant of £600.00 per annum, to assist with high household fuel costs (domestic oil). We previously assisted her and her now-late husband in 2005, with a grant of £500.00 matched by the RMBF towards a replacement oil tank.
“I am just writing to say a huge thank you for all the help I have been given. I now have a wonderful cooker and some new flooring, and also a present for my children this Christmas. I am overwhelmed by all the help that has been given, and I can say it has made a huge difference to our lives. As a single disabled mum, things often get difficult, and I live with pain daily. I am so grateful to you all.” — A 54yr-old former Wren, disabled, divorced and living with her young teenage children. The Trust was able to provide £1,326.00 for replacement carpets and a new cooker, and also provided £100.00 to help with the cost of children’s seasonal gifts.
“I have now moved into my new home and am slowly getting settled. This has been made possible only by your very kind financial assistance. Without your help I really, really do not know what I would have done, or how I would have managed. I dread to think what could have happened. When I contacted you, I was desperate and at my wits’ end. Words therefore will never be enough to express my sincere gratitude for the help provided at such short notice. I shall be eternally grateful to you all. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart. May God bless you all. ” — With eternal thanks and kindest wishes.” A 61 year old former Wren, separated from a husband with no service background and 12 months short of State pension age. Having been given notice to vacate long term accommodation due to the landlord wishing to sell the premises, this lady, unemployed through severe disability, required funding to clean carpets in her old property (a stipulation of the rental agreement), cost of removals, rental deposit and first month’s rent. On her first approach to the Trust, we were able to meet all of these costs with a one-off grant of £2,195.00.
“A representative of the local branch of SSAFA called to see me at the weekend, and told me that work can now go ahead to convert my ancient bathroom into a shower room. This is mainly due to the generosity of the WRNS Benevolent Trust. I cannot begin to tell you what a difference this will make for both my husband and me. Please accept our grateful thanks.” — An 87yr old former Wren, married to her ex-RN husband, aged 88. Both are in receipt of the State’s Attendance Allowance, but pressures on Local Authority budgets forced by Government cuts meant that this couple were denied access to a public Disabled Facilities Grant. The Trust acknowledged that being added to a long waiting list for public funding at their great age was unacceptable, and was able to award a grant of £1,295.00 towards overall cost of £3K, with the couple themselves willing to provide a personal contribution from their very limited savings. Additional funding was also provided by Independence at Home, and exceptionally, SSAFA’s local funds. RNBT decided that they were unable to assist.
“I am writing on behalf of my mother and the rest of her family to thank the WRNS Benevolent Trust most sincerely for awarding £50.00 per week towards the funding of Mum’s live-in care. It is greatly appreciated – thank you. Being able to keep Mum in her home whilst ensuring she remains safe and cared for as she lives with her vascular dementia has been a very important objective for us, and although (county) Social Services responded to our (an our MP’s) prompting by increasing their share of the cost, the balance has remained sizeable. Your award makes a valuable difference.” — Son (one of two), who has power of attorney for his mother, an 87 year old former Wren and RAF officer’s widow, widowed in 2009 and continuing to live in her own home. Even after an increase in Local Authority funding, the family faced meeting a weekly shortfall towards payment for at-home care of £355.64 per week; this in turn reduced to £195.64pw after regular grants from the OA, RAF BF and 3 small civilian charities. Our own award of our maximum care grant of £50.00pw reduced the family burden to £145.64pw.
“May I just write and tell you that you have saved me from having to sell my home. Your very generous financial help has helped me so much. I cannot thank you enough. ” — A 55yr old former Wren and RN divorcee, who while in full-time employment relied on a secondary job to maintain an average standard of living. Personal injury prevented continuation in her secondary role and she was struggling to meet some household bills, including her mortgage. We initially awarded a one-off General Amenity Grant of £600.00 to help with immediate general needs, and subsequent to our invitation for an update 6 months later, awarded a further £1,069.00 to help clear mortgage arrears and a secured loan. RNBT also provided £500.00 towards this.
“Thank you so much for continuing my grant until next year. It will certainly make a difference, and... I may be able to save something for a rainy day, which I never expected to be able to do. I am overwhelmed at your generosity and kindness. Thank you again. ” — A 59 year old former Wren, unable to work through long term clinical depression and worsening arthritis. This lady has been in receipt of our Weekly Support Supplement for some years, and at her latest annual review it became clear that she had at last won a hard-fought case for reinstatement of entitled State disability benefits. Allowing her a “turnover period” while she awaited and re-budgeted for these improvements to her State income, we renewed our grant for a final 12 months.
“Thank you so much for your extremely generous grant of £3,000.00 towards the external works on my flat. I feel overwhelmed, but sincerely grateful, to have received such a large amount, and this, along with grants from the RNBT and Unison Welfare, will go a long way to relieve a heavy financial burden from my shoulders.” — A 55 yr old former Wren and RN divorcee, living in a mortgaged flat within a council-owned block. The planned works covered necessary re-roofing and replacement of affiliated structures, and applying insulating rendering to the external walls. The client had a legal responsibility to meet a proportion of the Council-advised essential works, necessary to ensure the building met Housing Quality Standards. Overall cost to the client would have been just short of £8,000.00, which she could clearly not afford.
“I have just been told what a wonderful Xmas present you have arranged for me – ‘thank you’ just doesn’t seem enough. You have given me several months of not worrying about all the extra (medical) bills. Please also thank all of the people involved in this great gift. ” — An 87yr old former Wren and widow of an American citizen with no service background, who has been resident in the USA for many years. We previously assisted with the cost of relocation into sheltered accommodation when this lady was forced to give up work at the age of 84, primarily due to failing eyesight, increased deafness and arthritis. While recently awarded our Overseas Grant of £1,600.00pa, this lady suffered a heart attack and other health issued during 2014. Subsequently, approach was made for help towards Medical Costs (above insurance cover) and the Trust was pleased to award a one-off grant of £2,000.00 to help towards related current and future bills.
“It’s getting to that time of year when I give you a very big thank you… if it wasn’t for WRNS BT I wouldn’t be able to stay in this retirement village. I am eternally grateful to you all and cannot thank you enough. Kind regards as always.” — An 83yr old former Wren and widow, a long-time resident of South Africa. Suffering from a lifetime of anxiety, with this often linked with the cost of living and medical subsidies alongside her failing physical health, the Trust’s regular financial support and gentle guidance over the last 14 years has been a lifesaver. This lady seems at last to be in a safe environment, courtesy of WRNS BT.
“From a daughter: “Thank you so much for the extremely generous donation towards the cost of mum’s funeral, which went very well……. I shall be always grateful for all the help that we have been given, also much appreciated by my family.” From a son-in-law: “I must thank you for all your splendid efforts on our behalf.” ” — The daughter and son-in-law of a former Wren who died peacefully in a care home shortly after her 100th birthday. The Trust was pleased to provide a grant towards funeral costs. This had been a most stressful period for the family and both SSAFA and WRNS BT were able to provide kindly guidance, a listening ear and reassurance throughout.
“I received my mobility scooter yesterday – thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart – words cannot express nor thank you all enough! I have today for the first time in many months been shopping on my own… my scooter is amazing and will allow me once again to be independent. It is like a weight has been lifted, and while still in pain, I am positive for the future and that makes such a difference to my mindset. Thank you all so much for what have done for me.” — A 57yr old former Wren who suffers from severe osteoarthritis and spondylitis. Provision of the scooter will allow her to continue her passion for teaching, a career which has been under threat due to the restrictions of her disability; and relieve her of much frustration and anxiety. Cost of the mobility scooter was shared between WRNS BT and TRBL.
“My purpose in writing is to express the thanks of the family…. for the assistance awarded by the WRNS Benevolent Trust towards care home top-up fees for my mother. The family feel that we have been supported in a caring and professional manner, and your organisation has very much ‘gone the extra mile’.” — The 61yr old son of a former Wren, aged 90yrs, now resident in a care home. The son had been struggling to support both his mother and equally elderly father in the family home, up to the point of his mother needing to go into full-time care. Liaising with the Local Authority direct, the Trust was pleased to provide a grant of £100.00pw, to help relieve the severe pressure the family was under. We approached the RNBT, who agreed to meet a revised remaining shortfall.
“You previously assisted me with help towards purchase of a riser recliner chair. I now express my sincerest thanks to the WRNS BT for the financial assistance you have since given me to help cover the cost of extensive repairs to my heating system. Then the Trust’s exceeding kindness provided me with a weekly grant to temporarily help with my care costs.” — A 64yr old former Wren and RN widow, first assisted in late 2022, some two years after a serious car accident left her unable to drive again. The Trust was therefore pleased to provide £1k towards provision of a riser recliner chair, the balance for which she met herself. A further bid followed in early 2023, when the Trust assisted with £800.00 towards heating system repair costs of £1.7k. PIP was eventually put in place and as a result the Local Authority increased this lady’s personal contribution towards the cost of her care to £250.00pw. The Trust awarded a grant of £50.00pw for 6 months to help ease pressure on the rest of her weekly budget.
“I am writing to thank you for your great generosity in helping me. Thank you for the financial help which I have already received – it will help me with living costs and relieve the stress I have been facing. Also thank you so much for the provision of a mobility scooter which will help me have more independence to go shopping and visit family and friends without struggling in pain. As I await delivery, I am so looking forward to the freedom it will give me. As a Wren I was always proud to wear my uniform...’ … (On having that service recognised now) …‘your generosity towards me has overwhelmed me and it is something which I will never forget. Thank you very much.” — A 73yr old former Wren in need of a mobility scooter – the Trust was pleased to provide a 50% grant of £900 towards the cost, with the balance met by TRBL. In addition, the Trust provided exceptional support to meet an outstanding debt and a weekly grant for a short period while a concurrent bid for Attendance Allowance (AA) was considered by DWP. With AA subsequently approved at the higher rate and pension credit adjusted, our lady no longer requires our support.