An elderly couple who were forced to move into a caravan have been dealt a fresh blow just days before Christmas - after it was completely destroyed in a crash. Christine and John Alexander, both 75, were towing their caravan to a new pitch when it was written off in a crash on an A-road.
The pensioners moved into the caravan at Barnetby Top, outside Grimsby, in November after they were evicted from the bungalow they lived in in Wrawby, Grimsby Live reported. Suffering through freezing temperatures, which saw them forced to cuddle their two Labrador dogs for warmth, they were faced with another nightmare when the caravan was destroyed in a crash on the A18 on Sunday morning.
Christine and John are now relying on the goodwill of friends to keep a roof over their heads after their caravan flipped over onto its side, completely blocking the road. At the time, the caravan was being towed by the car of a family friend, while they were riding in their own vehicle behind.
Encountering icy conditions, their convoy was involved in a crash with another car, with both the couple's caravan and their car being written off. With the caravan ending up on its side, the pair's possessions spilled out across the road, with photos from the scene showing pillows and plates among the debris on the ground.
Although the conditions in the caravan were less than ideal, they were unable to afford to stay in a hotel. The couple are hoping they can finally find a new, permanent home for them to live in.
"It's been terrible, it's a good job we had the dogs to keep us warm," John told Grimsby Live.
The couple were originally warned in January that they would have leave their bungalow and had viewed several properties, but had been unable to find anywhere suitable to for Christine, who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In one case, a house they were offered did not offer parking nearby, which would be crucial for Christine, who has severe mobility issues.
A family friend, Allan Rayson, has kindly offered the couple a place to stay until they find a permanent home. The couple are planning to continue their search as soon as they get back on their feet.
"We can't move until we find somewhere and we can't live with Allan forever," said John. "We don't want to be a hindrance."
The 75-year-old said he felt "no one is helping". He said he had contacted North East Lincolnshire Council and Ongo, the social housing association based in Scunthorpe, and hoped more assistance would be forthcoming.
