Shawneena Laker is a 44 year old woman who has two children 19 year old Molly and 13 year old son. Shawneena has limb girdle muscular dystrophy and has fought hard for disability benefits. Here is Shawneena’s story…

The Dream

“After living in my bungalow and finding it difficult to manage, high on a hill with steps up to the garden and the mortgage, I have sold it and decided to make the biggest move of my life to Western Isles on Benbecula. I have bought a little white cottage called Bayview and with no mortgage. I have set Molly up in a lovely flat and helped her with some money and will be help with Keir.

It hasn’t been easy; I have had to live for eight months in a cold rented barn conversion with no heating, cooker or fridge freezer. I kept looking for something I could afford because after clearing debts and mortgage there was only so much equity left. I had stressful days and kept falling over then depression set in but with the help of my son and wonderful partner I did not give up.

I wrote to my MP who wrote me a great letter and wants me to do an interview with the newspapers before I go.

I had a dream and now after all the hardship will be going in the next. I can now write a will and sort everything out. Keir and Mick will have a home with no mortgage to worry about. Molly can have lovely holidays. She hugged me today and said “thank you Mum for giving me my wings”.

I have now come to terms with muscular dystrophy and I am not fighting it, but I am having a good, safe and happy life. I know the cottage needs a new bathroom and kitchen but we will cope. I just wanted to share my story and tell people out there not to give up; everything is worth fighting for especially your dreams”. Received from Shawneena Laker 17th June 2006

The Move

“Well I left with all my furniture for my new life Wednesday 21st June to Bayview Cottage, Benbecula on the Western Isles. We travelled for two days and slept in the car because we could not leave our beloved dog. We managed the ferry with a lift, arrived and goodness just about managed to unbolt a huge type of door to find utter horror.

Water had flooded the bathroom and one of the bedrooms, there was damp everywhere and none of the windows would close, it was so cold. The kitchen was a complete mess, no room for the cooker, washing machine or freezer. All my furniture outside, a dead sheep in the well in the garden, we knew the cottage needed a bit of work done to it bit the Estate agents has said it was habitable! I would not put an animal in there. There were beetles everywhere on the walls and floors. I was devastated and my feet where swollen. I had purchased the property for £60,000, all my equity from selling my bungalow. My dream was over, I felt as if we were in hell.

As a mother I feel terrible for putting my son through this. I know we should have viewed the property but I trusted a reverend (name withheld) I knew but have since found out he is not liked on the island. Luckily the removal company took pity on us and could not leave us there. We tried to get a grant from the local council but they did not have any funds left.

We managed to get back to Summer Cottage and have secured 6 months rent and thereafter we will be homeless. I hope my benefits are not stopped. All our money has gone.

We tried to sell in and the estate agents who sold it to us have said they will not resell it. We are now trying to sort out, wet, damp boxes and rescue bits and pieces. When we arrived for the keys we were handed plans passed to turn it into a huge three bedroom house, a great project for someone but not us. All I wanted was to clear my mortgage and debts and to but a tiny cottage and have a quite life. Now I have nothing, I am fed up of fighting. It cost me £2,650 removals and £300 for the travel and have nothing left.

The reason we panic bought was because we could not keep the equity without them stopping my benefits. All I want is to be normal, have a home and feel safe. Please write my story and do not let anyone else make the mistakes I have. I keep thinking about my partner Mick doing stretches with me by the car to try and pump the blood up my legs.”
Received from Shawneena Laker 27th June 2006