Case Studies
Good Joints Not to be Taken for Granted
Many people would be envious of Gordon’s knees, because at 68 years old, he is playing football, running and going to the gym. Good joints are not to be taken for granted in later life.
It hasn’t all been smooth runnings for Gordon though. After retirement his father became ill, Gordon moved in to care for him until he died. Then through his daughter’s ill health he also became the primary carer for his grandson and they moved into a local authority property together.
As the middle one of three brothers, Gordon was born at Westwood Hospital and lived in Woodmansey before moving to various places around Swinemoor Estate. He fondly remembers all of the kids who used to play out on the green.
His mum was a nurse at Brandesburton hospital and his dad was self-employed in the poultry industry, supplying butchers and local restaurants.
Gordon went to Walkergate Infants School and his claim to fame is that he was the last head boy at Spencer School before it closed. This was followed by Longcroft School and a career in engineering which started at BAE Systems, his own pallet business and WREN Kitchens.
When Gordon’s family needed support, he was there to help.
At the time, Gordon didn’t own a property so he applied to the local authority and was offered a home. Everything was fine until new neighbours moved in and their anti social behaviour started disturbing the peace for Gordon, his grandson and other people in the street.
Gordon was eligible for one of our properties and moved into a home on Lairgate.
When the local authority couldn’t help us to relocate, I contacted Beverley Housing Charity and explained the situation. I fulfilled the criteria to be of retirement age, in financial need and had lived in Beverley for at least 10 years of my life.”
He now lives in a two bedroom house in Citadel Court which is located next to Beverley Housing Charity’s offices just across from the town centre. These are modern refurbished properties which are full of light and always feel nice and warm.
“It’s perfect for me here. I also have great neighbours. One of them fell and broke her shoulder just before Christmas so we all pitched in to help her out. It’s a nice little community.”
Gordon is busy. He’s always out and about and enjoys bowling, football, golf, tennis, biking and snooker. He recently arranged a charity football match in aid of Leukaemia Care with the old hands against his son’s team and they raised £3,000 for the charity.
He doesn’t take his fitness for granted: “Touch wood I’ve been lucky with my knees. They are a gift as I know a lot of people at my age can’t do any of this stuff.”
“The whole team at BHC is brilliant. Angela, Yvonne who has recently left and Claire. Even when they walk past, they always stop for a chat. So lovely and friendly and if I ever have any issues they get it sorted straight away.”
Now that I am of pensionable age, living in a BHC property is affordable for me. These properties are very good value for money. I’m happy to say that don’t owe anybody a penny and if I can give one piece of advice to people younger than me, it’s to be debt free when you want to retire. It’s a great feeling.”
Registered Charity Number:
#223907
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