tragic news

[Fay]

Hi everyone

I've been a regular reader and occasional contributor to these forums for more years than I care to remember and have gained so much help and inspiration while my husband and I dreamed of one day being able to buy a place in France.

In April we finally managed to find the perfect little cottage with a view of the baie de Somme; signed our compromis and opened our bank account with Caisse d'Epargne, met a builder and discussed our plans - everything was so exciting. I was just waiting until the Acte was signed to post a "We've done it!" here.

Then, out of the blue, my 49-year-old husband, Simon, died of a heart attack.

I have to continue with the purchase, which is fine - although how I will feel later this month when I return for the first time to the town we loved so much is something I can't even imagine - but mainly I'm posting this to give a couple of 'thank yous' to the organizations who have rallied round me at this awful time.

The first is Foreign Currencies Direct. The money for our purchase was already in euros, held in their account in Simon's name, and my solicitor thought it might be tied up until probate, since it was a large-ish sum. FCD pulled out all the stops to get it paid through to our French account - they were wonderful. One thinks of such organizations as just being money-making machines but I certainly saw the human side. Not only were they deeply sympathetic they DID something about it and I feel I need to give them all the credit I can and commend them to you all.

The other is Caisse d'Epargne, who have been so helpful and supportive. They guy with whom we opened our account replied immediately to my email, told me not to worry about anything, they are liaising direct with the notaire to make sure that the money is paid at the right time. Again, practical help and support - and from a bank!

At this stage, the idea that I might find myself defaulting on our contract was the last thing I needed and was the biggest worry of many.

I wish for all of you that you never find yourself in this situation, but if anything else useful comes of my experience I will post again.

Fay

[Cerise]

Dear Fay

So sorry to hear this awful news.  Condolences and wishing you all the courage it will take you to get through this dreadful time.

It is very courageous of you to even think of posting at the moment and kind that you are able to thank others when you need all your strength yourself.  I'm sure everyone here is thinking of you.

Love

Maggi

[Fay]

Thank you so much. These forums have been a great support in our dreams and plans, and are proving an even greater one to me now.