Simon’s story.
When I started my business, I was nervous about anything going wrong.
After a few years, I had everything running like clockwork. I’d been on courses to learn about bookkeeping, I had good trade associates who would always call me first, and I’d even looked into hiring an apprentice. My partner, Carly, and I moved in together and things were going great.
Then, one evening, Carly noticed I was slurring my words. When I tried to pick up my drink, I felt like I had reached out, but my arm hadn’t moved. We realised I was having a stroke. It was the most terrifying experience of my life.
When I eventually got out of hospital, I wanted to be able to look after myself and not have to rely on Carla. We’d only just moved in together, and we were meant to be saving up for a wedding. Not a dream start! Thankfully, my mortgage adviser had advised me to take out income protection cover & I am so glad I did! Financially, I could cover my share.
Eighteen months of recovery time from a stroke – after we’d just moved in together – was not part of the plan I’d originally talked through with the mortgage adviser. But, because I’d taken out income protection, those difficult months didn’t steer me too far off track: my business is back to normal again, and I’ve hired an apprentice.
Oh, And Carly and I are back planning a wedding, and maybe a long trip abroad.
