A plumber is being hailed a hero after revealing he fixes pipes and boilers for vulnerable customers without charging them any money.
According to Metro, James Anderson, 52, has helped thousands of people in need since he closed his private business and founded a nonprofit company called Depher.
But it was one particular act of compassion that stole the hearts of people around the world. An invoice was posted online for services rendered at the home of a 91-year-old woman with acute-leukaemia. It turned out that James had charged her a sum total of… nothing.
Father-of-five James added to the bill: “No charge for this lady under any circumstances. We will be available 24 hours to help her and keep her as comfortable as possible.”
James revealed he was inspired to start the non-profit company Depher after seeing an elderly man m-i.s.t.r.e.a.t.e.d by an engineer.
“A lot of people close to me ask: why are you getting yourself into debt? Why are you doing this?” he said.
“To me, debt is debt. I would rather owe some money to somebody and another person be alive and happy and safe.”
Since 2017, James has been providing free or low-cost plumbing services to those in need. Even though he is around £8,000 ($9,940) in debt, he believes he is doing the right thing.
“It’s an ethos that’s in my heart and it will always stay there.”
James’ main aim now is to ensure the sentiment of his work goes beyond merely what he can do with his own two hands.
Recently, he decided to ask others to be part of his company so that more vulnerable citizens get the help they desperately need.
“I’ve talked to engineers across the country and they’re all supportive… it’s just getting the funding,” he said.
“I don’t want any elderly or disabled person in this country to die or suffer in this day because of a cold house or lack of funding to fix the boiler.
“This should not happen – that number should be down to zero. Simple as that.”
Since his invoice went viral, many people became familiar with his work and James has been able to raise $100,000 in donations. He’s no longer struggling to keep his non-profit afloat.
We hear you James, and we’re mighty proud of the work you’re doing.
Please share this story if you, too, think that James deserves tribute for his work.
