Work to transform an elderly Merseyside woman's squalid and cold house will begin in under a fortnight after a huge outpouring of support and help.
Last week the ECHO highlighted the plight of pensioner Irene, who has been living in a freezing and dilapidated house in Huyton. After having her gas supply isolated, Irene has been left with only a tiny electric heater to provide warmth in her home, which also has holes in the walls, doors hanging off hinges and nothing on which to cook hot food.
Irene's situation was raised by James Anderson who runs the Depher Community Interest Company, which raises money to help fix problems in the homes of people who cannot afford to do it themselves. He urged people to donate to the cause and tradespeople and businesses to come forward with offers of practical help.
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Since the ECHO article about Irene's situation was published, around £12,000 has been raised in donations to help the pensioner. James has also been overwhelmed with offers of free work and supplies to get the home fixed up.
And that work will soon get underway. James and his team have earmarked the weekend of November 19 and 20 to carry out the work that will transform Irene's house.
Mr Anderson, who is from Norris Green but now based in Lancashire, said: "We have now earmarked that weekend for the majority of the work to get done on Irene's house. We think we can get most of it done in two days.
"The response has been amazing, we have raised around £12,000 since the article went up and donations are still coming in. We have a skip being dropped off, cleaners coming in and will be getting new doors and carpets fitted. We will fit a new boiler and hob when we arrive and get all the painting and decorating done over that weekend."
James had offered to pay for Irene and her son to go away to Blackpool for the weekend that the work is being done, but as she relies on oxygen cannisters it has been decided she will stay with family nearby.
James added: "We are also going to buy her a Christmas Tree and get the house all ready for Christmas. We want Irene to have the best Christmas in her home."
To contribute to Irene's fund click here. 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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