Save my apprentice.

Hello everybody. I’m Jay and I am the Director/Owner of JD Electrical Ltd. I started my business on my own in July 2020. It was a slow start and took time to build up and 18 months ago landed some permanent work with a company in Rotherham.

I took on an apprentice in 2021, this apprentice also happens to be my son. He has just started his third year and is doing well. However, on August 25th of this year, my knee suddenly gave way on me 3 times within 10 minutes. I ended up on the floor and it felt like my leg had snapped. Looking down with dread expecting to see bones sticking out, I was relieved to see nothing was out of place.

I ended up at hospital, and was put in a knee brace and given crutches for a suspected cruciate ligament damage. I had to return to hospital a week later but as the swelling hadn’t gone down, and because I had limited movement in my knee, a full diagnosis couldn’t be given. I returned to hospital on 19th September 2023 and was given the diagnosis of damaged meniscus, lock knee and possible cruciate ligament damage. The consultant has told me I need an emergency MRI and then surgery.

Because my injury wasn’t an “accident”, none of my insurances covered me. I’ve argued my case but to no avail.

My MRI is on 3rd October and surgery will be on 4th October. The recovery time is a minimum of 8 weeks, which will mean I will have been off work for 3 months with no income.

This brings me to the reason for starting this Crowdfunder. Obviously with no income my business has taken a draconian financial hit. So much so that I have seriously considered closing my business as that’s the only alternative I could see. This would mean having to make my apprentice, my son, redundant. I also have other insurance commitments that I need to cover for my business, but my main priority is saving my apprentice‘s job/career. It has been my dream for him to take it over when I eventually retire in 20 years or so. 

I have also got a family to support and the lack of help out there for me as a business and an individual has really shocked me.

By the beginning of December I should, fingers crossed, be able to return to work, start earning again and keep my apprentice in work.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, any donation will be greatly appreciated.

With the current cost of living rising, I know times are hard for all of us and every little donation will help.

Thank you all again.