Neighbours rally to support vulnerable pensioner

Widow Denise Cheesman, 68, from Gosport, suffers from chronic arthritis which causes her severe mobility issues. She is particularly concerned about the height of cupboards and worktops, which she struggles to use, and a poorly-fitted laminate floor which leaves her at risk of tripping and falling.

Neighbour and electrician Iona Payet has come to Denise's aid to support her get a replacement kitchen which can cater for her needs.

'˜The kitchen was only fitted this year but the worktops are too high for her and she struggles to reach some of the cupboard handles,' explained Iona.

Regulars at the local pub, The Carisbrook Arms, have been so upset by Denise's plight that they have rallied round to help replace the unsuitable kitchen. As a qualified electrician, Iona has offered her services for free and has also secured the support of additional tradesmen.

'˜Ben Hunter, of Swift Electrical, has promised to help out and we have also secured the support of Rob Porter who is a carpenter and kitchen fitter. Lili Waste have agreed to remove the materials once it is gutted. The owners of the pub have also pledged to provide Denise with food during the period she is without a kitchen,' said Iona.

In addition to the offer of free labour, Delonghi have also agreed to provide all the necessary electrical appliances for the new kitchen.

Having spent £6,000 on the installation, Mrs Cheesman feels badly let down that, despite her requests and the large financial outlay, the kitchen has not been fitted to the specifications of her needs.

'˜I put aside some of my pension each month to help when I need to purchase things such as a new bathroom or in this case a kitchen. I have wasted all my savings. I need a whole new kitchen but all my savings have gone,' explained Denise.

Kitchen fitters Howdens have agreed to look into Denise's plight, but the group said it had not yet been able to secure the donation of a suitable kitchen to enable her to move on from her ordeal.

'˜Iona said: '˜Any help with a reduced price or a donation of new kitchen would be amazing. The money Denise sets aside from her pension savings is what helps to maintain her independence.'