A daughter was overwhelmed by her community’s generosity after several people volunteered to fix her parents’ fence.
Last week, the Observer reported that Sandra Norman’s parents, who are both in their 90s, had a broken fence that left their house vulnerable to attack from burglars.
Housing association Thrives Home said it was the couple's own responsibility to fix it – despite her 90-year-old mother having dementia and being immobile and her frail, 92-year-old father having short-term memory loss.
But after the article was published, Mrs Norman said she was inundated with calls from people in the area who wanted to help her parents.
And 27-year-old Lee Kennedy became the hero of the hour, for not only fixing their fence but also building the couple a gate - for free.
READ MORE: Elderly couple at risk after officials refuse to fix fence
Mrs Norman said: “I'm overwhelmed by how kind people have been since reading the story – I had so many phone calls and messages from people who wanted to help.
The fence had been broken since Storm Doris hit in February
“Lee was a superstar and such a lovely chap. I’m so thankful to him and everyone who offered their support.
“I can now go to sleep, safe in the knowledge that my parents are safe, which is all I wanted.
“I’ve not heard a word from the council or Thrive Homes – they’re just terrible.”
Mr Kennedy, owner of L.K. Fencing, said he read the story online and wanted to help to the family.
“I just knew they needed my help so I thought I would get in touch with them. And I’m glad I did; Sandra was absolutely the over moon with the work I did," he said.
While Three Rivers District Council said it was not its responsibility to help the elderly couple, former councillor Phil Redshaw visited the couple and suggested setting up a community group in South Oxhey that helps people in similar situations.
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