A pensioner who feared she "may not survive the winter" due to her squalid living conditions has received an outpouring of support from concerned Scousers.
The ECHO covered a shocking story yesterday showing the squalid living conditions an elderly pensioner, called Irene, was forced to live in. Irene fears she "may not survive the winter" as she is living with just a small electric heater to warm her dilapidated home and "only has toast to eat".
The pensioner's gas supply has also been isolated so she is without central heating or hot water at her house in Huyton. Irene is vulnerable and relies on oxygen cannisters, making the conditions she is living in extremely dangerous.
READ MORE: Pensioner 'screamed in pain' on floor for six hours as she waited for ambulance
Irene's story and the harrowing images of her home have been shared online 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 told the ECHO : "It was Irene's neighbour that first alerted us to the situation as she was very worried. We went to the house and it was pretty terrible - it was freezing too as she has no heating. Irene has had to get used to this, but she shouldn't have to - she nearly cried when we told her we were going to help her out."
A number of people expressed concerns for the wellbeing of the pensioner on social media after the ECHO story was published. Sue Tague said: "Why in this day and age do we find people living like this? And why the hell should she go cold and hungry, god bless her. She's elderly and vulnerable."
Kate Murphy added: "It breaks my heart to know people are falling off the grid and radar when this lady of all people needs extra support and assistance from a home care organisation, or support worker via social services or something. I'm a fellow Huytonian and I wish I was in a position to offer help, but I'm classed as vulnerable myself and it's out of my capabilities. I'm praying this lady gets the help she needs before it's ultimately too late."
Other people turned their attention to the lack of action from the government in supporting vulnerable people as we approach winter in the middle of a cost of living crisis. One woman, Tracey Hazlewood, said: "Shocking. This government is a disgrace. How many other vulnerable people are living like this? It makes me feel so sad."
James, originally from Norris Green but now based in Lancashire, is now seeking the help of local Merseyside businesses and tradespeople to help make Irene's home fit for human habitation. Other readers offered their help and services to Irene.
Samantha Williams said: "I can't help with the house repairs but I'm a chef. I'm currently off work because I have an 8-week-old so have plenty of time on my hands. I'm more than happy to batch cook some healthy meals and portion them out so she can freeze them and just heat them in the microwave if it helps. No one should be living on jam on toast."
Tasha Crockett added: "Haven’t got much to offer but got experience in cleaning if anyone can point me in the right direction to clean what I can up for her."
Any businesses or tradespeople that can offer services are asked to contact James on 07521702043 or at info@depher.co.uk.
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