I am under stress but will see it through

this case and no further action has been taken against any of the parties concerned.’

Royal Skandia, since taken over by Old Mutual International, had a relationship with FNB International, not Manita or her adviser. It says it did not partake in making decisions – only executing them.

A spokesman says: ‘We did not provide financial advice or select the underlying investments.’

Now Manita says she has no option left but to pursue FNB International. She says: ‘Trustees are given a fiduciary licence on the basis they put their clients’ interests above their own.

‘I am a test case but I have the motivation to see it through to the end.’

Manita struck lucky when she found ‘a lawyer with a heart’ who looked over her case and encouraged her to take legal action. But since the cost of full legal backing is prohibitive, she is representing herself in court.

The heavy weight of having no one to fight for her has taken its toll.

Manita says: ‘With numerous trips to Guernsey and facing financial ruin if I lose, I have endured great stress and sleepless nights.’

A spokesman for the trustee says: ‘FNB International Trustees Limited will be vigorously contesting these matters at trial. Given that proceedings are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further.

‘However, FNB International Trustees has full confidence the outcome of the trial will demonstrate it has acted at all times in accordance with all applicable rules and requirements.’