A plumber in England is being called Britain’s kindest plumber after establishing a social enterprise that has aided over 2 million of the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
Who is this hero?
James Anderson, 54 years old, operates Depher (Disabled & Elderly Plumbing & Heating Emergency Repairs), a community interest firm that provides significantly discounted services to individuals dealing with escalating living costs, which have risen by up to 54 percent since April 2022.
Depher seems unique, mainly because there aren’t many plumbers. But Depher appears to be about more than just plumbing. They help the older adults with everything from paying people’s unpaid bills to providing emergency plumbing and heating services, delivering food packages, and covering funeral fees.
Jame’s achievements
Britain’s most excellent plumber has just won a “local hero” award and a £1,000 (US$1,204) prize for providing free plumbing for the elderly. James Anderson, 52, received praise earlier this year after he spent £170 (US$205) for food and energy for a cold family.
James, from Burnley, was on a regular visit when he saw the family’s poverty and decided to take action. “You come in, chat to them, and you can see your breath while talking to them,” he explained. “There are children there.”
Jame’s NGO
James founded Depher in 2017. Since then, he has assisted hundreds of individuals.
He has earned the SGS Engineering Local Hero Award 2022. It honors “hero” tradesmen in their communities who have gone above and beyond with their generosity to aid their communities.
It’s safe to conclude that James swept the honor, garnering 70 percent of the vote. “Thank you so much for submitting me and Depher for this amazing award. It is overwhelming and humbling,” James stated upon collecting the prize.
Inspirational efforts
Over the previous six years, Anderson and his Burnley-based team of plumbers have assisted over 52,000 families — roughly 2 million individuals throughout the country.
“What we attempt to do is make folks aware that there is someone out there who will help them,” Anderson explained.
Anderson, a father of six and grandpa of four, has been dubbed “UK’s kindest plumber,” and an example of this went viral.
“I was asked to assist a 78-year-old lady today, and her card was declined because she only had £6.97 in her bank. The ENERGY COMPANY TOOK £765.89 out this morning,” James tweeted.
Depher stepped in, reimbursed the older woman’s shopping expenses, and obtained a complete return from the energy company.
Anderson received the concept for his catch-all social venture while working at a gentleman’s house in his hometown of Burnley, Lancashire. After obtaining a £5,500 (US$6,623) price from another business, the man contacted James to inspect his boiler.
“This firm had tried to con this person out of thousands of pounds he didn’t have, for work he didn’t require,” Anderson explains. “This man was elderly and bedridden — he was in a very vulnerable situation.” We intervened, negotiated with the firm, and awarded the man £1,000 (US$1,204) in compensation.
Current goal
Since then, Depher has grown to 13 employees who work all over the country.
“His kindness has saved me, in many ways reminding me of the old days,” said Margaret, a 90-year-old pensioner who received Depher’s help.
A GoFundMe campaign to prepare for winter has already raised £63,610 (US$76,597) of its £100,000 (US$12,0417) target.
“The more money we acquire, the more money individuals have for bills and food,” Anderson stated.
The message
After witnessing such honorable efforts by James, we all should try to help others by any means possible. Despite the discrimination, supporting each other is the only way to make this world a living paradise.
