GREG

The Case

Greg enjoyed a very fulfilling and rewarding career as Head of Sciences and Housemaster until he suffered from severe Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2005 which left him unable to work.

Throughout his career Greg had enjoyed a very healthy lifestyle. He was the school rugby coach and spent all his spare time tearing around the rugby pitch. In 1996, Greg started to feel some discomfort in his joints and soon after was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The condition did not initially affect his teaching but he found he could no longer coach rugby. Two years later the condition worsened and caused Greg significant discomfort. However, he was determined to keep doing what he loved and continued to teach with the assistance of state of the art specialist equipment.

In June 2005, Greg’s joint function deteriorated significantly, he was assessed by his GP, a Consultant Rheumatologist and a Consultant Occupational consultant and told that his condition was too severe for him to continue teaching safely, given his specialist subject and regular handling of dangerous chemicals.

Fortunately Greg had taken out an Income Protection policy with Unum when he was still fit and in his early 30s. The annual benefits he received of over £20,000 provided him with the vital financial support that he would need until his retirement.

Greg’s Perspective

‘I used to be able to run 10 miles and play rugby full tilt. The last thing in our minds was the possibility that I would develop a disease which would be crippling to the extent that I could no longer work… ‘

‘…At the time in your life when everything is rosy, Income Protection is the last thing you think about. When I gave up work it was psychologically traumatic - going from working from 7in the morning till 7 at night, 6 days a week with huge responsibilities to virtually nothing. It was very life changing’.

Looking Ahead

Greg has had an incredible determination and commitment throughout his incapacity. He is now retired, but is dedicated to providing help and support to others in a similar position. Greg has now taken up the position of chairman of his local network of ARMA Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance bringing together people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions with clinicians and allied health professionals.

With kind permission of Unum.

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