Easing the unexpected
This week is your chance to help raise money for colleagues in need via our in-house charity, the Rowland Hill Fund (RHF).
The Fund supports colleagues, past and present, and their dependents. It can provide financial help with rent, mortgage and council tax arrears, home modifications, disability aids, funeral expenses and much more.
In 2017-2018, there were 420 successful applications to the Fund and £500,000 was given to our people. During this time, colleagues raised an incredible £145,000 for the Fund – the highest amount ever.
Throughout this week, we have been hearing from some of the people whose lives have been changed for the better by the money they received from the Fund.
Postman Trevor Smith received £1,500 towards funeral expenses for his daughter, Laura
Trevor works at Dorking delivery office and has been with Royal Mail for more than 15 years. Trevor’s daughter, Laura, suffered from a ‘pilonidal sinus’ a small hole or tunnel in the skin, which became infected and caused her to become jaundiced. When she was rushed to hospital, doctors discovered that she had a rare genetic liver disorder. She was kept in hospital for two weeks, and then discharged.
Ten days later, an ambulance was called when Laura began having breathing problems. Sadly, she had developed a pulmonary embolism in her left ventricle and her heart stopped. The Fund contributed towards Laura’s funeral.
Postwoman Pavla Cikosova-Pavlicklova, received £300 for a special needs pushchair
Pavla works part-time for Royal Mail and lives in a council rented property with her four-year-old son, Oscar, who is autistic and has a delay with his functioning.
Although Oscar is able to walk, he sometimes refuses to do so and has no awareness of danger. He attends a mainstream school and has daily one-to-one support, with a care plan in place.
When Pavla changed her working hours to term-time, her weekly income decreased. And when Oscar grew out of his pushchair, Pavla had to carry him when he refused to walk. The NHS was unable to fund a special needs pushchair as Oscar is physically able to walk.
The Fund was pleased to purchase such a pushchair for Oscar and travelling around is now much easier for mother and son.
Our fundraising week is your opportunity to support the Fund by raising as much money as you can towards the £160,000 target the Fund has for 2018/19. The money will then be reinvested directly into helping our colleagues.
You can request a charity bucket and other materials, such as posters and leaflets, by contacting the Fund directly:
If you know someone who would benefit from help and support, contact the Fund via the confidential Rowland Hill Fund helpline on 0345 600 4586.
