A pensioner wept as she revealed she only had £1.67 in her account to last her for the next three weeks, with eggs on toast to be her Christmas dinner.
The 89-year-old woman had called out plumber James Anderson - who is also the founder of Depher (Disabled and Elderly Heating Emergency Repairs) who fixed a leaking tap.
When he asked how she was to cope at Christmas, she told him she had just £1.67 to last three weeks and had no special food for a Christmas dinner.
A peek inside the fridge showed she only had some cabbage in a jar, orange juice, water, margarine, eggs and yoghurts.
The charity founder sent a tweet to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, revealing she cried on her shoulder.
He wrote: “Rishi 89-year-old lady with only £1.67 in the bank until mid-January.
“Three presents from friends, a few cards. She is having eggs on toast for her Christmas dinner.
“I went to see her to repair a leaking tap. She cried on my shoulder for 40 minutes.”
Thankfully for the lady there was a happy ending from his visit as he revealed he arranged for a huge food hamper to be delivered from Asdda with enough food to last 60 days including Christmas dinner.
He then followed up his post with confirmation of the bumper grocery delivery to the woman’s home in Blackburn.
He added: “The lady’s shopping has been delivered. Enough food for 60 days and a nice Christmas dinner.
“She will have plenty of gifts delivered by Father Christmas.”
James’ post on Twitter was met with a wave of support and sympathy for the pensioner, with other social media users explaining their own predicament over Christmas.
One said: “I work full time and have a house with two children to pay for and child maintenance for my ex-wife, the two children in the house I live in are not mine, but I have £11 in my account. I get paid on the 30th December and that will last me two weeks.”
Others asked how they could help the lady and praised James and Delpha for stepping in. One said: “Thanks for your help @Depheruk. I don't know how you do it. It must break your heart. Love and hugs to you and your team.”
Age UK also responded to the Twitter thread asking for people with concerns for the elderly to contact their advisors.
They said: “Our advice line is on: 0800 022 3411. Lines are open 8am-7pm 365 days a year. I hope this helps. Many thanks, Age UK Social Media Team”.
