Back in 2001, I had sudden back pains due to repetitive bending in my manual job. This got worse over time and I needed to have months off work. I got paid a small amount of sick pay which eventually dried up. As the months went by and my back problems continuing, I got further and further into debt to the point where I had to re -mortgage with a back street lender. It was initially meant to be interest only for a year, but 21 years down the line and 56 years old, I still owe the same £96,568. It is so demoralising to see the same figure year after year and not being able to change anything. I have other debts that are secured on the property which would have to be cleared first.
The most annoying part is, I’m paying a higher interest rate and would have paid the house in full if I was on a lower rate – with a repayment mortgage. So basically I am a mortgage prisoner!
For 2 years leading up to April 2022, I worked overtime to pay off debt. I cleared £20,000 and had a great mortgage approved at 1.99% fixed for 10 years.
I thought, this can’t be happening – finally I’m going to have a mortgage at a great rate and see the balance reducing every month.
Then in April 2022, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer that had spread to my liver.
I had to cancel the mortgage because I needed every penny for security. My whole world had changed over night. Suddenly my mortgage situation was trivial, but it was a great distraction. I couldn’t stop thinking how close I was to this better deal, but at the same time, my health was more important!
Since being diagnosed, I have had bowel surgery, a liver resection and 32 months of chemotherapy in total.
My outlook for health looks good, but my mortgage situation is the same.
I( was planning to re -mortgage this year, but I feel like a dog chasing it’s tale because I can only earn basic money, due to hospital visits.
My expenses are the same as what I earn, so it’s becoming a long awaited dream more than a reality.
Thank you for reading my story!
If you could help in any way, even a small amount of money from many people would go along way.
If you have anything to spare in this tough world please pay to https://paypal.me/GaryB672