After a period of illness (and no sick pay) myself and my family are really on the ropes. I know there are many of you who are in the same boat. We work hard for a living, have had to make some very hard choices, do you heat? Or eat? As some of you know, we have a toddler in the house, so many times we have gone without a meal to make sure he is fed. Some essential bills have been left unpaid in order to achieve this and the wolves are hammering at the door. I worry about the immediate future, for all of us. It was my 50th Birthday very recently. If you wanted to gift me and mine in any way, I would be eternally grateful. It saddens me to have to do something like this, but I really don't know what else to do. By nature, I am a giver and it pains me to be virtually begging. I have £50 until payday (end of the month) borrowing money is not an option. Friends have already shown some real kindnesses that have made a difference over recent months, but unless we can get some more rent payers here, our future looks grim. However, if you could help us in the meantime, I would be so grateful. In recent weeks, I have to confess, when crossing the road I have hesitated.. should I wait in the path of the oncoming traffic? Yes... dear friends, it really has left me feeling this desperate... but I want to see my beautiful grandson grow up. Please help me not give up?