STEPHEN

Stephen’s life was entering an exciting yet demanding period having just started his own manufacturing business. With a young family to provide for Stephen made sure he was protected by reviewing his insurance needs with a financial adviser. Stephen was advised that he needed protection against long term incapacity and income protection was the ideal solution to meet this need.

The Case

In May 2006 barely a month after applying for an Essential Ability Cover plan from Unum, Stephen fell whilst training for a charity bike ride, breaking his arm and suffering internal injuries. The next day Stephen suffered a stroke that left him paralysed and unable to speak more than a few words.

His entire life turned upside down. Unable to work, the business had to be wound up, and his wife Claire, not only had to look after their two young children George, 10 and Emily, 8 but her husband as well.

With Stephen unable to earn a living, the financial situation could have been bleak. But the family had one cause for optimism, that Stephen had protected himself against the financial impact of incapacity.

As Stephen was unable to perform a number of functional abilities tests, his Unum Essential Ability Cover plan began to pay an income within as little as  4 weeks. Stephen will continue to receive a replacement income from Unum until his 60th birthday or until he recovers to the extent he can successfully complete the functional abilities tests and return to work.

His Wife’s Perspective

“People say it may never happen to you, but you never know what life will throw at you. With two young children, it was essential we had cover in place. I don’t know what we would have done without it”.

Looking Ahead

Despite suffering a serious stroke and having to contend with losing his mobility and speech, Stephen is determined to live a fulfilling life and focus on getting better.  Unum is ready to provide rehabilitation support when appropriate to Stephen alongside the considerable support Stephen receives from the NHS.

Stephen is keen to continue raising money for Macmillan Cancer Relief and with the aid of a specially adapted bike recently travelled to Peru to take part in a sponsored bike ride.

With kind permission of Unum.

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