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Burnley plumber who helps elderly and vulnerable for free forced to suspend services over costs

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 16th February 2023

A Burnley plumber known for providing free services to the elderly and vulnerable in his community has been forced to put his help on hold.

James Anderson, the owner of DEPHER – a company providing emergency plumbing and heating services to the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable for free of charge – has this week been announced the company is to suspend its services for the time being.

James has spoken out about the reason he’s been forced into making this disappointing decision.

DEPHER was originally set up back in 2017 by the Burnley native after his son sadly died at just 16-weeks-old, and he made promise to him that he would “be a better man” – and while his original aim was to provide free heating and plumbing services to those in need, the company has since gone from strength to strength, and James and the team lend a hand with almost anything.

Staff get around 400 emails every day from people asking for help, and in almost six years since being set up, the company has been able to assist more than half a million people across Lancashire, the North West, and the rest of the country.

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Burnley plumber who helps elderly and vulnerable for free forced to suspend services over costs / Credit: The Manc Group

But while the services are provided for free to those in need, it of course comes at a cost for James and the DEPHER team.

And it’s the rising cost of living crisis that has proved to be the current roadblock for the company.

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James says that a “massive increase in demand” for their services as households nationwide grapple with finances has meant the company is running out of money each week.

Addressing the need to suspend services, James explained in a statement: “DEPHER will unfortunately have to postpone all requests for help with food, gas, and electricity. Due to a massive increase in demand, we are running out of funds very quickly every week.

“We will restart the initiative as soon as we find more support [but] we need to balance the outgoings for people who need our plumbing, heating boilers, and funeral support.

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“We cannot use everything on just food, gas, and electricity. We have a responsibility to a wide range of people around the UK.

“We will work hard to reinstall the initiative.”

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As a community interest company, DEPHER relies largely on donations – with legendary actor Hugh Grant grabbing headlines for being a regular donor – which is why James is now appealing to the public for financial support as he “works hard to reinstall the initiative” as soon as possible.

You can find out more and donate to DEPHER via the company’s website.

Featured Image – The Manc Group

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Manchester firefighter surprises partner with proposal during new recruits parade

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester firefighter surprise proposal recruit passing out parade

We’re a sucker for a wholesome little video as we know you are, which is exactly why we thought of you lot when we came across this video of a newly graduated Manchester firefighter surprising his partner with a heartwarming proposal.

Just the kind of heartwarming that usually sets us off after a long week at work.

The clip shared by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Thursday, 25 April, shows Manc fireman James popping the question to his girlfriend sat unassumingly in the audience at a recent passing out ceremony.

Pass out ceremonies are when trainees go from recruits to fully qualified firefighters after completing their intensive operational training. It’s a long-standing tradition in the emergency services where friends and family gather to celebrate their achievements – it’s almost like it’s the perfect opportunity…

Watch as a Manc firefighter turns his passing out ceremony into a surprise proposal.

As you can see, since the graduates are usually the centre of attention, James couldn’t help but size his moment and instead of walking and lining up normally like everyone else, he decided to head straight over to his wife-to-be and get down on one knee.

You already know the rest.

Welling up immediately and barely able to remove her hands from her face, Melissa nods and says yes as the crowd cheers and the pair share a smooch.

You just love to see it.

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Writing on social media, the GMFRS said: “We managed to capture a VERY special moment at our new recruits pass out parade today… Congratulations to James and Melissa!”, adding, “Certainly one way to start your new career”.

If we don’t see all the groomsmen dressed as firefighters on a random viral video sometime soon we’re going to be gutted.

All the best to the happy couple and if you’ve got any more lovely clips like this to send in so we can make ourselves cry (in a good way), you know what to do.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

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Peter Kay’s statement in full as his Co-op Live gigs are postponed for SECOND time

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Peter Kay statement after Co-op Live gigs cancelled for the second time

Peter Kay has issued a statement after his two gigs at Co-op Live were rescheduled – again.

The Bolton-born comedian was supposed to officially open the huge new Manchester venue last week, but ‘power supply issues’ forced it to be rescheduled.

He was then supposed to perform on Monday and Tuesday of next week instead, but these two shows have been pushed back even further.

Co-op Live has also postponed The Black Keys, who were set to perform on Saturday.

Peter Kay has now issued a statement addressing the postponement, saying it’s ‘very disappointing’.

He also said: “I know, I can’t believe it either.”

He’s even amended his own tour poster to add the disclaimer: “(If they actually open the place).”

The star joked that he was now the ‘ninth artist in the world’ to play there.

Can always count on a comic to make the joke everyone else is thinking.

The legendary comic wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.

“Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).

“The first available dates the shows can reschedule to are as follows: Mon 29th April to Thurs 23rd May, Tues 30th April to Frid 24th May.

“Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren’t suitable.

“It’s very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won’t compromise that.”

Co-op Live said in a statement: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.”

They’ve also made the rather bold decision to once again assure fans that the next raft of shows now set to be their opening gigs – big dates from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Olivia Rodrigo – are still set to go ahead as scheduled.

Touch wood.

This could back to bite them. It already has once before.

“To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.

“Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 2024.

“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend.

“We deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause. Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly.

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“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press Images/The Manc Group

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