IN one staggering example of deprivation in Southend, a charity was forced to step in and rescue a woman who had been left without heating for two years.

The 63-year-old turned to St Vincent de Paul – a charity helping the homeless and vulnerable – after she ran out of options when her boiler totally failed and she couldn’t afford repairs.

The woman – who has been kept anonymous due to her vulnerability – struggled through two freezing winters without any form of heating before finally pleading with the charity for help.

Daniel Cauchi, St Vincent’s centre manager, said: “The lady’s boiler had broken down in January 2021 and could not be fixed, and due to the expense of a new boiler, which she could not afford, coupled with ill health, she suffered another two winters without accessible hot water or central heating.

“She even tried to get British Gas to support her but because she was £2 over the income threshold, they said no. St Vincent de Paul swung into immediate action and working closely with a local plumbing company Plumbco, a brand-new boiler was sourced and recently installed, bringing an end to the lady’s years of misery.

“Ben Thurman the plumber could not believe that she had gone through this and offered all labour for free. A great example of working in partnership to support our community.”

Mr Cauchi said the centre, in Short Street, Southend, is busier than ever since the economic crisis started to hit the vulnerable.

He added: “At St Vincent’s, we pride ourselves on helping anyone in the local community that is in need. This story really touched our hearts and for such a simple necessity like hot water and heating we are so pleased to have made such an impact on this person’s life”.

The woman, who asked not to be named, said: “I am sincerely very, very grateful for all St Vincent’s help. Much-needed help and just in time for the autumn and winter.

“I do not think I could have managed a third winter living in an icy house with ice-cold water”.