"I was working as an English teacher when my five year old son, Charlie, was diagnosed with Leukaemia. For 18 months Charlie was in and out of hospital receiving treatment and going through chemotherapy. My husband and I were struggling to look after Charlie and work full-time too, so I decided to cut down on my hours.

It meant I could spend more time with my son, while he fought this horrible illness, but with the drop in pay we soon started to struggle to make ends meet. The debt started to build up and we couldn't even buy simple things like new bedding to make Charlie more comfortable."

Esme decided to call the Teacher Support Network.

The money advisor at the Teacher Support Network helped Esme organise her debts, so that she could still be there for Charlie. Teacher Support Network was even able to give Esme a grant to help her buy bedding for Charlie.

Last month, Teacher Support Network approved £19,615 in grant payments to teachers and their families in need, but every day more and more teachers like Esme contact us asking for help. The only way that we can help families like Esme and Charlie is with your help. Donate now and you could make a real difference to teachers and their families.

*names have been changed to protect anonymity