Ian’s story
“I had nothing….all I had was a camp bed and a garden chair.”
Ian had been working in a London hospital for many years until, at the age of just 56, poor health meant he had to retire early. Evicted from the flat that came with his job as a porter, Ian was made homeless.
“I had nothing….all I had was a camp bed and a garden chair”.
Having spent time in a “terrible” halfway house in London, friends from Hersham took Ian in, letting him sleep on their sofa.
“I didn’t want to outstay my welcome. They suggested that I should contact Walton Charity because they knew of their housing options. “
After receiving his application, Walton Charity were able to offer Ian a flat in one of our independent living schemes, Fenner House.
“I just couldn’t believe it. It was the best thing that had happened to me for a long, long time. I feel safe here. I feel secure.”
Ian now has a place to call home and, having discovered the Walton Charity allotments programme, he has also rediscovered a passion for gardening.
“I found out that Walton Charity had allotments and I was well pleased about that. It gives me so much pleasure and it gives me something to do – another part of independence. It keeps me fit too and I just love it!”