In this episode of 'The penny drops', our host Andrea Fox joins Paralympian Sam Ruddock to talk sports, big ambitions, managing finances as an athlete and living with a disability. Born with a form of cerebral palsy that impacts his flexibility, coordination and balance, Sam has gone on to become a track, field and cycling athlete for Great Britain, and made his international sporting debut at the London 2012 Paralympics.

How can you find more information?

Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area.

You can also find lots of helpful information on some of the topics discussed in this episode on the following sites:

Financial support for people with disabilities

GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled

Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/benefits-for-people-who-are-sick-or-disabled

NHS: www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/money-work-and-benefits/work-and-disability

Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/charitable-grants-for-ill-or-disabled-people

Disability charities

Scope: www.scope.org.uk

Disability Grants: www.disability-grants.org

The Disabilities Trust: www.thedtgroup.org

Saving, budgeting and money management

Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/budgeting-and-managing-money

Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/budgeting

Self-employment

GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself

Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/self-employment

Turn2Us: www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Self-employment-and-benefits/Self-employment-and-benefits-Frequently-asked-ques

Support for athletes

Sports Aid: www.sportsaid.org.uk

TASS: www.tass.gov.uk

This month’s episode was recorded in May 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak. For up to date information on benefits and financial support being offered by the Government, please visit gov.uk/coronavirus.

Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.