When it comes to making ends meet, the cost-of-living crisis has not only impacted Cork nurse Catherine Duggan’s pocket — her dignity has also taken a hit. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2021, the 59-year-old prepared herself for a long fight. What she did not realise was her financial recovery would be equally as painful.
After a successful operation to remove a tumour, Catherine was finally able to return to work as an endoscopy nurse in June 2023, but the life-changing impact of her illness left her unable for the physical demands of the role. Since last December, she has been left with no option but to survive on illness benefits amounting to €260 a week. Her previous salary worked out at about €600 a week.
This reduced cashflow means she can no longer afford to pay her mortgage of €1,200. I’m negotiating with the bank now so when I get my pension they will get most of it. I have to do this, so my house isn’t in jeopardy.
"I just have to be upfront and honest regardless of the circumstances. Communication is key. What I really want is for the huge interest rates to be stopped and a moratorium put on it.
" Indirect healthcare expenses continue to prove costly. “I had to go to Galway for a medical appointment recently which cost me €40 just for fuel to come up and down in a day. "There have been times when I have had just 7c in my account.
I went from working fulltime to surviving.” Soaring costs are like salt on gaping wounds, she said. “Sometime.
