I would like to tell you about to Peter whom I met through my work. He is 76 and lives in just one room.

He is a charming, gentle, unassuming man who has been bullied and browbeaten by his landlady for years.

His current room is dark and shabby, but always clean and tidy. He is the only occupant as the rest of the house is a building site and has been for 7 years (see pictures), with parts open to the elements. He has no cooking facilities – the cooker broke and has not been replaced, and the only hot water is in the shower, so he washes his clothes and utensils using the kettle and the sink and his only heating is an electric fan heater. When I met him he was very depressed and lonely. He felt he had nothing to contribute to anyone even though he would love to work still, and could see no way out and that no-one would help him (he had tried the Council)

Today after a week of phonecalls, I managed to get him a viewing of a micro –studio, through a local housing association. It was shoe box, probably smaller than most of your bedrooms, but it has heating, a 2 ring hob, a microwave, a fridge. When I walked into the roomy heart fell, I thought “this place is awful, its tiny”, he looked at it and said “This is wonderful”. The building has a laundry room, and he has neighbours so he won’t be alone.

He is so excited and we are starting the process with the Housing Association to get him moved in, BUT they require rent in advance and a deposit which he does not have, as he is on benefits, and he does not have any proof of the deposit he gave his landlady so she will not give it back.

Not only is the studio great for him but he is near a small lake where he can fish, and a local football team he can go and watch play (his two favourite things). We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect location. He has also been told he might be able to get part time work in a B&Q store locally, as they have other residents that work there. He already feels better about himself with the opportunity of working again and the hope of a new start.

Peter has humbled me in his happiness for the simple things in life, a roof over his head, and a little human kindness.

I am raising this money to secure his place in this tiny studio that he has fallen in love with. If you are able to help in any way we both will be so grateful