Gus the Bus makes a special visit to Centurion

Marcelle and Dwayne Jacobs.

Marcelle Jacobs.

Saturday the 6th of May 2017 saw FMI’s ‘Gus the Bus’ roll into town to pay a special visit to local Centurion resident, Marcelle Jacobs. She was chosen as part of the company’s #21Lives Campaign which marks FMI’s 21st year of business. As part of the campaign, Gus the Bus is travelling nationwide to visit 21 inspiring people (and policy holders) that have gone on to do amazing things after enduring tough times as a result of injury or illness.

Marcelle, who is now 25 years old, had a horrific car accident in 2014 while driving home from her nephew’s 2nd birthday party with her close friend Karla. Marcelle consequently lost both her legs from above the knee, and tradically, Karla never made it. A week before the accident, Marcelle’s FMI policy was accepted and finalised, and although she had never paid a premium, FMI has and will continue to pay her income until she is 75 years of age!

“The #21lives campaign focuses on identifying and bringing to light the stories of remarkable people such as Marcelle, who have despite all odds, continued to reach their dreams and live life to the fullest. We are passionate about protecting people’s lives and future dreams, as even a temporary illness or accident can seriously de-rail your life. FMI has been privileged enough to be part of Marcelle’s inspiring story and we look forward to shining a spotlight on other amazing South Africans who have gone on to do great things whilst we’ve been able to protect their and pay their income,” stated Brad Toerien, FMI’s CEO.

Marcelle never let her accident stop her in her tracks and since the accident went on to meet the love of her life, Dwayne, at a BnB where she and her family were staying whilst she was recovering from her second amputation repair surgery. They made an instant connection and have been inseparable ever since. The couple recently got married on the 12th of April 2017 and have just travelled to Thailand and Dubai. They are hoping to do much more travelling soon and to expand their family in the not too distant future.

“If it weren’t for my income cover from FMI, my husband Dwayne and I would be living off just one person’s salary and without the policy pay-outs, we wouldn’t be able to do the things we love or even properly look after our dogs who we consider to be our babies. Not only that, but the medication I have to live on for the rest of my life is very costly, so who knows how I would have been able to take care of my health without the help of FMI. It may sound like a lame advertising line, but I really am living proof of how important it is to have an income protection policy. Life can change in a minute and lots of us think ‘it’ll never happen to me’! I think FMI is a truly amazing company and not only do I think that their #21Lives Campaign is a great way to spread awareness about how vital it is to have income protection, but I am also incredibly proud to have been recognised as one of the inspirational stories in this campaign”, enthused Jacobs.

Gus the Bus will be heading to The Western and Eastern Cape before making its way back to Durban in the coming weeks. To follow Gus The Bus on his road to meet the #21Lives individuals, make sure you visit http://fmi.co.za/gusbus/ or follow FMI on Facebook and use the hashtag of #21Lives to join the conversation.