Salute to the unsung heroes
Evening Standard|December 15, 2023
William Hosie talks to a carer forced to feed her family on just £11 a day and discovers a charity that's become a lifeline
Salute to the unsung heroes

AMELDA, a mother of three, spends sleepless nights on a chair in her kitchen. She has given over her bed to her 16-year-old daughter, Amelia, while her sons Kevin and David, 24 and 19, sleep by a gaping hole in the ceiling of their council flat. It has been months since her local council promised to fix it.

As winter begins and temperatures plummet, the ceiling remains damaged and their home freezing cold. Amelda, 56, said her utility bills are already “humungous”.

“You don’t want to think about it,” she added and began to cry. “It’s very emotional. Really bad. I don’t want my children to get ill.”

Amelda cares full-time for both her sons but is herself in poor health, with a spine disorder and diabetes.

Her overcrowded housing situation has only made things worse. “My back hurts, my feet ache, sometimes I sit up at night with panic attacks and I can’t breathe,” she said.

“I have to punch my knees out to stretch them and go to the bathroom. Sometimes I have an accident because I can’t get there in time.”

Denne historien er fra December 15, 2023-utgaven av Evening Standard.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra December 15, 2023-utgaven av Evening Standard.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA EVENING STANDARDSe alt
In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos
The London Standard

In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos

Tim Shipman’s fourth and final tome covers Johnson to Sunak, via Truss

time-read
4 mins  |
November 28, 2024
Is this government full of amateurs?
The London Standard

Is this government full of amateurs?

Labour's hard landing has revealed a cabinet struggling with the basics

time-read
4 mins  |
November 28, 2024
It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States
The London Standard

It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States

Emma Hayes closed the book on 12 trophy-laden years at Chelsea with her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title in May.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 28, 2024
Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?
The London Standard

Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?

Rebuilding his ageing side will bea greater challenge than building it in the first place for one of the greats

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2024
London wins battle of the global city brands again...
The London Standard

London wins battle of the global city brands again...

...but the capital still has plenty of work to do ifit wants to keep that crown

time-read
4 mins  |
November 28, 2024
At home with...Earl of East
The London Standard

At home with...Earl of East

The duo behind the fragrance brand have made a Leyton new-build their sanctuary

time-read
4 mins  |
November 28, 2024
How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology
The London Standard

How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology

INDIA BLOCKspeaks to paediatrician and TV writer Dr Neal Baer about the controversial advancement

time-read
4 mins  |
November 28, 2024
This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving
The London Standard

This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving

AIl through a bright, bitter winter day I was smiling because I was coming to see Jack Thorne's adapAtation of Charles Dickens's story again.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2024
Market merrymaking
The London Standard

Market merrymaking

Bundle up in your warmest coat, hat and mittens to visit the best Christmas markets in the UK.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2024
Festive favourites
The London Standard

Festive favourites

Perfect your Christmas spread with a vibrant spin on a seasonal staple.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2024