Mike

Mike is 68 and has been a Timebank member for 12 months. Mike has had a varied career and for the past 10+ years has run his own handyman/building business. Suddenly, unexpectedly he became unwell and after tests, scans, bloodtests received a diagnosis of brain cancer. For the past few years Mike has been very unwell and undergone aggressive treatment.

Through his GP he met the social prescriber at his surgery. She mentioned timebank and so Mike got in touch.

Mike’s business enabled him to help people and he said this was what he was missing. So, he signed up for timebank to try and help others and by doing so he hoped he might help himself too.

Mike’s health brings ups and downs and so he helps when he can. One timebank member described him as ‘a total superstar’ as he has used his building know how to help support her through her dealings with builders. Helping to keep things manageable, explaining things clearly and most importantly helping her see things were moving forward even when she thought they weren’t.

March 2024 saw Mike helping John with a very poorly chair. John is in his 70’s and unable to get to a repair cafe due to his limited mobility. So Mike, accompanied by TBSW worker, visited John at home and mended a chair. A wooden kitchen chair which would most would have said had reached the end of it’s days. But, to John is was a cherished piece of furniture his sister had given to him. A few screws, some glue and an hour of conversation (and a few ‘dodgy jokes’) brought a mending miracle. A repair made possible through Timebank’s Community Pot of hours. Hours donated by other TBSW members to help people who are not able to offer to ‘repay’ the favour due to their health. John is, however, hoping to pop to the local timebank group to say hello.