Living in the dark, muesli for dinner and giving up showers: The vulnerable people making heartbreaking choices
manchestereveningnews.co.ukEd Slater spends most days sitting in the dark without the heating on. It has terrible effects on his multiple sclerosis, but he's so fearful of his upcoming energy bill, he'd rather take the hit on his health.
The dad-of-three was diagnosed with the debilitating condition in 2008 and relies on the use of a wheelchair. He has always lived his life frugally, but says that since the cost of living has soared his life has become extremely difficult.
Ed's story is just a snapshot of what many vulnerable and disabled people across the region are currently enduring. Like Molly Powner, the 92-year-old grandma who is fearful she won't be able to pay for her gas and electricity bill as it's set to increase to £4,800 a year - something she can scarcely afford with her £186 a week pension.
She is already mindful of spending too much on heating her small town house in Hollinwood, Oldham and often spends much of the day in bed, or wearing several layers in an attempt to keep warm. READ MORE: All the everyday products going up in price as cost of living crisis hits Helaina Stone, who has a rare genetic condition, was forced to give up her job at Manchester Royal Infirmary during the coronavirus pandemic as she was forced to isolate.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk
