When she graduated in accountancy, Bernadette looked forward to being able to earn a salary and enjoy a good standard of living.

But life hasn’t worked out like that. Multiple sclerosis is taking its toll, causing her balance and mobility problems and preventing her from working. And since her diagnosis was confirmed, her husband, who repairs car bodywork, has worsened their situation by heavy drinking.

It takes Bernadette all her energy to cope with cooking and housework, and to help their 11-year-old daughter with her homework.

A social worker has made sure that this family receive the maximum benefits to which they are entitled, which brings their income to the equivalent of £350 per month.

“It’s not a lot,” says Agnes Csiszer who runs Blythswood’s Basis project, helping low-income families in and around Cluj, Romania. “Blythswood has been helping them with food since April of last year, as much of their income goes on medical expenses and on school equipment and clothes for their daughter.

“We have also given them an interest-free loan for a wood stove and boiler to heat their two-roomed home. Bernadette is a smart woman and tries to do as much as she can but I know that the monthly food package is a big help to them.”