An elderly woman living in "terrible" conditions with only a small heater for warmth is heading for a Christmas to remember after a huge outpouring of offers and support.
Yesterday the ECHO reported on the squalid conditions being lived in by Huyton resident Irene. Shocking images show the situation the older woman currently finds herself in at her home. One picture shows the tiny electric heater she uses to try and heat her entire home after her gas supply was isolated. This means she is without any central heating or hot water.
Another image shows her damaged back door, which doesn't close properly, while there is also a large hole in one of her walls. Irene is vulnerable and relies on oxygen cannisters, making the conditions she is living in extremely dangerous. Another grim image shows Irene surviving on a piece of toast because she has no other means to cook food. Her neighbours have said they fear she may not survive the winter.
READ MORE: 'Selfless mum' dies suddenly after birthday night out
The images were shared by James Anderson, who runs the Depher Community Interest Company - a plumbing and heating repair company that works to help people who are living in squalid conditions and cannot afford to maintain properties.
James, originally from Norris Green but now based in Lancashire, is seeking the help of local Merseyside businesses and tradespeople to help make Irene's home fit for human habitation. And he said the response to the ECHO article has been "overwhelming".
He said that since the article went live at 6.30pm last night, around £8,000 of donations have poured in to help Irene. James has also been inundated with offers from tradespeople, businesses and members of the public who want to make Irene's home and life better.
James explained: "It's been amazing, we have had so many offers. We have a woman coming to clean the whole house, we have painters and decorators coming in. Someone has donated a skip so we can clear everything out and another man has volunteered to be a labourer on the project.
"We've got a new boiler being donated and a new hob and carpets are also being donated. As Depher we will sort out all or Irene's plumbing and heating issues."
James also revealed the donations will be used to buy Irene, who lives alone, a Christmas tree and decorations so that she has a festive period to remember after living in such poor conditions for so long - and there is one more surprise.
He added: "We are going to pick a weekend soon where we intend to try and get all the work done, but obviously Irene won't be able to live in the house when we do it, so we will pay for her and her son to go away to Blackpool for the weekend. Hopefully when she comes back her house will look very different."
James and his team are still in need of donations and specific help, including new doors for the front and back of the house.
If you would like to contribute to help improve Irene's home, you can do so here
Any businesses or tradespeople that can offer services are asked to contact James on 07521702043 or at info@depher.co.uk
READ NEXT:
'Selfless mum' dies suddenly after birthday night out
Scenes from Liverpool’s streets now lost of rarely seen anymore
Road closed and shop cordoned off after fire broke out above barbers
Paedophile bragged on the dark web about grooming boy with gifts
Emmerdale fans 'work out' new paternity twist to shake the village
