It is completely free. You wouldn’t often connect these phrases with a faulty boiler.
That is until an online sensation emerged from a plumber in the British town of Burnley, whose receipt for one of his tasks went viral.
James Anderson, a native of Liverpool, has received praise for sending a leukemia-stricken 91-year-old woman a £0 bill.
The bill was accompanied by the note, “No charge for this lady under any circumstances,” which was first posted on Facebook by the woman’s daughter, Christine Rowlands. To aid her and provide for her comfort, we shall be accessible around the clock.
She will receive “free plumbing for life,” Anderson says.
But this isn’t Anderson’s first time showing kindness. He claims he has helped and supported thousands of individuals since converting his plumbing company into a community initiative for vulnerable people.
He informed CNN that precisely 2,389 persons had been affected since March 2017.
He claims that he was motivated to start DEPHER after witnessing another elderly guy in the region being “manipulated” by another engineer.
We must do more to assist those who are most in need, Anderson said in a phone interview. “It started me thinking about other elderly and vulnerable folks.
“A lot of the elderly and the disabled don’t want to ask for help, and if they can’t afford to fix something, like the boiler, they might not do it and get into problems. We are here to ease your anxiety.
He believes that by bringing down the price, individuals would be able to utilize their money more wisely and “maintain their freedom” in other crucial parts of their lives.
The provision of free service wasn’t always possible, according to Anderson, who admitted this and said there were occasions when it had been “a struggle.”
The Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund, the Queen’s charity, has previously given DEPHER £2,000 to assist the service, which is mainly reliant on contributions and crowdsourcing.
However, Anderson has accumulated debts from operating the service of about £8,000. Though he maintains they are in check and is making monthly payments to the bank of £100,
Nevertheless, even when financing is running low, he still provides a 25% discount.
“I’ll be there to attempt to aid the individuals who need it as long as I have enough money to fill up the tank in my car.”
Anderson was referred to as an “angel dressed as a plumber” by Rowlands, the 91-year-old woman he helped.
She told CNN that when her mother’s boiler failed and they needed affordable repair, that’s when she discovered him.
James is a true celebrity, and it was amazing to see that it was free, the source told CNN.
According to the plumber, helping out vulnerable individuals pays off in some way. Simply said, he feels happy within.
“It makes me feel human, modest, and just a little excited within… I wish to make this service available all around the nation. Never will I stop fighting.
Additionally, he notes that while he doesn’t always demand money, it might be good to have a “smile and a cup of tea” occasionally.