ENGLISH NEWS: Plumber launches plan to help 1,000 vulnerable households stay warm for free in England

A PLUMBER is hoping to raise £30,000 to help 1,000 elderly, disabled and less well-off households in England stay warm and dry over the winter for free.

James Anderson’s kindness went viral earlier this year when an invoice showing a charge of £0 for work on a 91-year-old woman with leukaemia’s boiler was shared online. He then received tens of thousands of pounds to help support his work and also saw an increase in requests.

He is now urging other tradesmen to offer their help as part of his not-for-profit company Depher, which works with plumbers and heating engineers to provide work for customers who are unable to afford it.

Speaking to Sky News, James explained that most of the individuals he helps are elderly people who have not got any family support and solely rely on their pension. He recalled helping a 74-year-old woman this year who was walking around her house in a hat, gloves and a scarf as her boiler had broke and she couldn’t afford a new one. Compelled to help, James installed a brand new boiler at no cost to keep her warm.

He added that his team are going to the home of an 84-year-old woman with cancer and heart problems on Saturday to give her an free boiler after another plumber asked for £600 up front, stripped it down and left all the parts on the side and has never returned.

James who is based in Burnley, England, says he is receiving 15 calls a day at the moment and is asking for help from the public to raise £30,000, which he says will mean he can help 1,000 more vulnerable people over the winter.

He asks that any plumbers or heating engineers who want to help should get in touch. They must provide their labour free of charge but Depher will pay for parts and £30 expenses per job.

For more information about the inspiring cause visit: www.depher.co.uk.