Support Disabled Veteran

Hello, for those that don’t know me, I’m a disabled veteran that uses a wheelchair and leg braces.

I moved back to Lincolnshire after my wife left me due to my military injuries; her exact words were ‘I’ve failed my marriage vows, IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH’. 

After she asked for a divorce and left me I unfortunately lost my job, dogs and house. I just couldn’t work Part-time, look after a house and dogs without the support from a partner. I did look at getting carers; however, after an investigation I found they would take my War Pension off me to fund it which would leave me in financial poverty even working Part-time. After the separation I moved to Lincoln to be closer to my older brother and for support, but unfortunately this was just before the Covid pandemic struck! (Not the best timing).

During the first Covid Lockdown I rented a private ground floor apartment which my brother helped adapt for my wheelchair. After a year I managed to get Social Housing/Council Bungalow, and I appreciate the Local Authority for the bungalow but unfortunately it hadn’t been updated since 1960’s. It had no fencing, no real kitchen, cooker, and a bathroom I couldn’t use, plus no flooring etc. Another hit happened when I started to move in and the Second Lockdown struck, so this was hard for me, as all my building contractors cancelled on me and I was left with no kitchen over Christmas for two months. In order to sort this I put £15k on credit cards to do the bungalow up with the local authority supplying wheelchair ramps. They did offer to help with the bathroom but their was an 12-18 month wait due to covid so I paid privately as a bathroom is a priority because of my disabilities.

Once the Covid pandemic was coming to an end and the bungalow was nearly fixed (with help from some volunteers) my injuries and mental health seemed to get worse, and I think this was because of the stress of debt and living costs, and the bungalow rebuild, plus I missed my dogs! I thus decided to go and adopt a rescue dog (Millie) and I love her! She’s great and has raised the alarm when I’ve fallen out of my wheelchair without training on a few occasions. 

Unfortunately due to my injuries I can’t take Millie for a long walks, so thought I need to purchase a Powered Handcycle for my wheelchair. I started to investigate into the disabled mobility devices and was shocked at the prices. My heart sunk because I knew with more that £15k in debt over credit cards I could never afford this device. I also still have EoN Energy chasing me for a £92 arrears payment they forgot to ask for 2 years ago when I left my private rent due to their clerical error, and I continue to receive threatening letters and texts from EoN energy regarding bailiffs (Sod them they can take my wheelchair it’s worth enough to get them off my back). 

I have tried to get a loan and then another credit card but I was obviously denied. Unfortunately I’m no longer allowed to work due to my health so I can’t raise additional funds, so I find myself using this website and hoping on the publics kindness. 

I won’t lie, I feel extremely embarrassed and useless to come to this point, especially after being a proud man that defended my country, but I need your help, so I find myself at your feet begging. 

I do know there are a lot of people extremely worse off than me and they’re more urgent than me, but if you have any free pennies down the back of the sofa it would be sincerely appreciated.

thank you

Justin Durrant