I am Robb Ellis. Many of you know me from the Old Country, the July Braai, or via Face Book.

You will know that I was married to Bern (nee Fulton) for 32 very happy years.

Bern suffered a devastating stroke in late May 2016. I was, at that time, studying for a University Degree. I immediately put my life on hold to assist Bern where I could. She learned to walk and talk all over again. (I did return to my studies in time and finished in mid 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 2:1 in Criminology & Criminal Justice.)

For the first three years I did all of the care as I did not know anything about carers and home visits.

Once I learned about help, Bern had 4 2-carer visits a day, but I picked up all the remaining time between calls and overnight. I did all of the cooking and the laundry - and anything else that was required by Bern.

The day after the Queen's funeral in late September 2022, Bern had a fall at home, fracturing her pelvis in 4 places. Bern was, thereafter, confined to bed. I continued with my caring for Bern.

I had become her 'constant'... complicated in 2014 with my being diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

Bern sadly passed away on 27 December 2025. Her heart just stopped working. She had fought against all the odds for 9-and-a-half years.

I was with her, holding her hand when she died. Somewhat unexpected, and very quick indeed.

She was amazing, beautiful and determined - she was my 'One & Only'.

The 'system' in England has denied me the £2500 lump-sum Bereavement Payment and the subsequent 18 monthly £100 payments because, according to them, Bern did not pay enough in National Insurance contributions.

I had the idea of using the funds to change our little bungalow from a 'sick room' with a bathroom, kitchen and lounge attached back into a proper home in which I can live, feel secure - and, of course, remember my awesome Bern.

I would be immensely grateful for any amount to allow me to do these changes to our home.

Thank you.

Robb