You are not unreasonable at all!

I planned on getting back to work after 8 weeks but just couldn't do it - I extended my leave to the full 12 months (unpaid for the last 6).

What we did was the first part of my leave was at my half-pay, so we had DF's full income and half of mine. We adjusted our belts and worked out what we could & couldn't afford ... then when my half pay dropped out it was easier to survive.

Can you get your ARL at half pay? Take 16 weeks ARL at half pay?

Good luck!