Lizzie Ferguson’s situation could hardly be more desperate.
Faced with unaffordable energy costs, she now hasn’t enough to use the equipment that helps keep herself alive.
So she is preparing to move into an OAP nursing home at the age of 23.
The Scottish and UK governments have been warned for months that the energy pricing crisis would have a disastrous impact on people.
They can’t say they weren’t told it would cost lives.
Lizzie’s story is a horrifying example of how these fears aren’t scaremongering.
As a young woman, she will cherish what independence she has in her own home.
For it to be snatched away by greedy energy firms is heartbreaking as well as avoidable.
The staff at OAP care homes undoubtedly do a great job looking after the elderly with kindness and compassion.
But these facilities are no place for someone Lizzie’s age.
Her family say she is determined to stay at home for as long as possible and is prepared to go as far as squatting in the property, her dad has warned.
Promising that help is on the way and offering sympathy isn’t enough.
At local level, the agencies involved in helping care for Lizzie need to act now and make sure she can keep her dignity.
Meanwhile, our government leaders and mega-rich energy firms can’t wait any longer to come up with a plan for the rest of the country before winter sets in.
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