A plumber recently shared how he almost bankrupted himself by carrying out work for over 3,000 elderly and vulnerable people free of charge.
Hailing from across the pond, James Anderson went viral earlier this week after his £0.00 bill for purchasing and installing a new boiler for a 91-year-old woman was posted online.
The52-year-old shared that his generous practices have helped so many yet put him in an poor place financially.
Anderson runs a not-for-profit plumbing firm, Depher.
He said:
“I was on the verge of it all falling apart but I pulled it back and continued with the fight. One day, I would love to make my company national. I would love for there to be a helpline that anyone over 65 or who is disabled can call and would be able to receive free plumbing. It would be great if we could get some government funding. A national helpline would be the dream.”
The invoice read:
“Callout to Boiler high pressure and two leaks… lady is 91 years of age acute leukaemia end of life care. Amount 0.00. No charge for this lady under any circumstances. We will be available 24 hour to help her and keep her as comfortable as possible. Depher CIC.”
When he explained the back story about the bill, Anderson shared:
“She deserved it. She was a lovely lady. Her daughter contacted us as she was terrified her mum would be without hot water as the weather is getting colder. As soon as she told me the situation, we said she would not be spending a penny under any circumstances. She’ll be on our books forever. For as long as she’s with us, she’ll be getting free heating and plumbing services for life.”
Anderson offers the majority of customers a 25 percent discount during both the spring and summer but charges nothing for his services during the more difficult months. He said he was inspired to set up the business when he was asked to look at an elderly man’s boiler for a second opinion, after another plumber quoted £5,500 or $6798.51 for a new one.
He continued, saying:
“I looked at it and he definitely didn’t need a new boiler. It just needed a fix up. I realised that so many people, elderly and disabled, are being defrauded. I thought there must be something I can do.”