The community has rallied together to support a disabled pensioner. More than £4,000 has been raised for John Vernon who has severe health problems and was struggling to cope in recent years following the death of his sister who used to take care of him.
John's home in the Leamington estate, Sutton in Ashfield, had become infested with rats that chewed his belongings, and left his flat in a uninhabitable condition. Everything in the flat had to be thrown out and replaced.
His neighbour Aleia Stickly put a post on Facebook asking for donations so that John could replace his belongings, and within a few days £4175 had been raised.
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Many people also donated items that John needed, such as bedding. Aleia said: "I was heartbroken to see John like this. He had kept his problems to himself, instead trying to do things for others."
Aleia described John as "the kind of man that would do anything to help anyone" and that he "didn't want to be a bother." Once Aleia and John's family saw the extent of the problem it was too late to salvage anything.
She added: "Everything had to be thrown away, his whole life was out in the garden." Aleia also contacted Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield and Eastwood. After speaking to John and his neighbours about the situation, Mr Anderson pledged £1,000 from his own pocket to the fundraiser.
Mr Anderson said: "I was shocked to see how bad John’s situation was. All of his possessions were bagged up on the street ready to be chucked away.
He continued: "In 2022 I cannot believe John had been left in this situation, the council had been approached but hadn’t stepped in to help or safeguard him in any way. John had been told it would cost hundreds of pounds for his stuff to be cleared away."
The community really stepped up, creating a Go Fund me page and organising those who’d pledged to help. Many members of the community got involved with the fundraising, including The Skegby Scooter Club who donated £1,000 and another £1,000 was donated by local businessman Craig Gold. The Skegby Scooter Club presented John with their donation at his house on Thursday, 16 June.
Aleia said: "I can’t believe how the community has stepped up to help. Thank you so much to everyone who has offered to help”. Aleia and John's family are now working together to redecorate John's flat.
John said he was grateful for everything that had been done for him. “I’m so thankful, I cannot appreciate everyone enough," he said. "If you are struggling speak out.”
