Plumber Gains Hero Status for Refusing to Take Payment from Sick 91-Year-Old Pensioner

The world is often seen as a hard and terrible place for people to live in. But sometimes we hear about these near impossible acts of kindness that restore our faith in humans. A kind plumber has been hailed for his extremely giving and charitable acts to those less fortunate. 

Sometimes, we all wish we could get a plumbing bill that reads $0.00 after fixing our pipes and boilers. Well, this was exactly what a plumber does to try and help out to the sick, elderly and disabled.

James Anderson, 52, has been hailed a hero for helping thousands of people in need after closing his private business and re-launching as the not-for-profit company, Depher. His selfless generosity came into the limelight after one of his ‘customers,’ a 91-year-old woman with acute leukemia, posted a bill online showing he charged her nothing.

The father-of-five from Burnley, England who has helped thousands of elderly and vulnerable people in need, wrote: “No charge for this lady under any circumstances. We will be available 24 hours to help her and keep her as comfortable as possible.” The positive public reaction came as a surprise to him, “We didn’t expect it. It’s been everywhere.” ^[1]

Angels come in many forms

Anderson helps people across Lancashire in England by raising money using donations and online crowdfunding campaigns. His company, Depher CIC, is dedicated to stopping the suffering and death of the elderly and disabled who are left alone in the cold without any financial help.

Since 2017, He has been providing free and low-cost plumbing services to those who are unable to afford them during winter. Anderson was inspired to close down his private tradesman business and create Depher after seeing a plumber try to scam an elderly man by blocking his hot water supply.

The switch to not-for-profit work has not been an easy one as he incurred debts of around £8,000 (approx. $9800 USD), but he insists the shortfall is under control.

“A lot of people close to me ask: why are you getting yourself into debt? Why are you doing this?” He said. “To me, debt is debt… I would rather owe some money to somebody, and another person be alive and happy and safe. It’s an ethos that’s in my heart, and it will always stay there.” ^[2]

News of his generosity spread, donations flooded in and have nearly hit £20,000 (approx $24,500 USD), reducing him to tears. His efforts to help the sick and elderly in Lancashire has paid off over the past two winters, Anderson is now hoping to expand his operations country-wide.

“I’ve spoken to quite a few engineers around the country and they’re all for it… it’s just getting the funding.” He said.

“I don’t want any person who is elderly and disabled in this country, in this day and age, to die or suffer because of a cold home or a lack of funding to repair the boiler. 

“It shouldn’t be happening – that number should be down to zero. Simple as that.” ^[3]

An amazing man, with an amazing cause.  

Winter dangers for seniors

While the cold can be a danger to anyone, older adults have a higher risk of developing health problems and injuries when the temperature drops. It is essential to take certain precautions at this time to avoid the following health hazards:

• Hypothermia
• Frostbite
• High blood pressure and heart attacks
• Painful joints
• Lung spasms
• Winter depression
• Influenza

Here are some tips for seniors to protect them against harsh cold weather.

1. Stay Indoors. 

High winds, snow, and cold temperatures can easily induce heat loss in the elderly. If seniors must go outside, they shouldn’t remain there for long and should immediately go indoors if they start to shiver.

2. Stay Dry. 

Seniors shouldn’t wear wet clothing as this lowers the body temperature quickly. ^[4]

3. Wear Layers. 

You feel warmer wearing one or two thin layers of loose-fitting clothing in summer than multiple layers of thick clothing in winter. Asides from wearing several layers, seniors should also wear a coat, boots, gloves, and a scarf to cover the mouth and nose from cold air.