Aims and objectives

Shermin Stuart

Shermin, a community nurse from Birmingham, had to give up her beloved job working across the heart of the city when her condition became too severe. After 27 years of helping others, she was suddenly unable to find the strength at times, to look after her family.

Nursing was my life and the illness meant I became so isolated. That was the biggest blow for me. I also went from having a well-paid job to struggling financially and that affected me emotionally – I had always been a strong person, with everyone relying on me. It’s so hard to ask for help when you are so used to giving help.

Fortunately, Shermin was aware of Cavell Nurses’ Trust so contacted us for our help as a shortage of money meant the family was unable to replace two broken beds for their children plus pay essential bills. After supporting her with advice and support, a grant of £800 was provided and the Trust has also helped her secure a further £500 for a short break for the family to enjoy some much-needed time together, away from the stresses of everyday life.

Three times a week Shermin must go for dialysis to keep her alive and she is hopeful of getting a place on the transplant list in the foreseeable future.

I would like to thank Cavell for their help as I wasn’t expecting it, but truly appreciate what the entire organisation as done. I couldn’t believe there were people out there willing to help us, for a long time I felt alone and I now feel part of everything again. I feel more confident in myself and feel I have the strength to do something useful again with my life.