It’s sad to think we live in a society where the weak and elderly are often victims of crime. According to a recent study, an estimated $3 billion is lost by elderly Americans due to criminal acts each year. The crimes affect one in five older Americans. As a result, in the past three years, there has been a 57 percent increase in the number of bills introduced in the U.S. to combat elder financial exploitation. As well, 41 states enacted tougher penalties for those who victimize older people and vulnerable adults. (1)

Despite these numbers, there are always people willing to protect the vulnerable. James Anderson of Burnley in the U.K. founded DEPHER, a not-for-profit organization providing free or greatly discounted plumbing, heating and cooling services for older and vulnerable adults. (2, 3)

£0 Invoice

James became a Facebook superstar when he fixed an elderly woman’s broken boiler for free. The woman’s daughter, Christine Rowlands posted his £0 invoice on Facebook drawing international attention. (2,4)

“As a friend said, ‘an Angel dressed as a plumber’,” wrote Christine on her post. “How kind is this?” (4)

This is the invoice from plumber, James Anderson in Burnley after fixing a lady’s boiler – gives me a little hope for humanity after all pic.twitter.com/zddMJO2f4a

— ProudDevonian (@PDevonian) September 15, 2019

Free Plumbing For Life

When he discovered his 91-year-old customer had terminal leukemia, he waived the fee stating in his invoice, “No charge for this lady under any circumstances. We will be available 24-hours to help her and keep her as comfortable as possible.” (2)

James, who offered her “free plumbing for life,” refocused his plumbing business to assist vulnerable people. Since March 2017, he has aided 2,389 people in need in the Burnley area. (2)

Founded DEPHER

DEPHER was founded following an encounter with an elderly man who requested a second opinion. James discovered another plumbing company told the man he needed a new boiler to the tune of £5,000, despite requiring a simple part replacement. (2)

“It got me thinking about other elderly and vulnerable people — we need to do something more to help the people who need it most,” explains James. (2)

Taking Away Worry

James couldn’t possibly provide free service for everyone without the funding DEPHER receives through community support and donations. “A lot of elderly and disabled people don’t like asking for assistance and if they can’t afford something like fixing the boiler, they might not do it and get into trouble. We are there to take that worry away,” he says. (2)

Struggling To Help

Because James relies on donations and crowdfunding to cover his costs, he says it has been a struggle at times. In fact, his kindness has found him in debt by about £8,000. (2)

Despite going into debt, he continues to help others and pays £100 per month towards his own debt. “As long as I have enough money to fill up the tank in my car, I will be there to try and help the people who need it,” says James. (2)

Looking Out For Each Other

If funds run dry, he keeps his prices low offering a 25 percent discount to those in need. “We need to be a human race, to look out for each other,” says James. Despite all the attention, James is humble and says DEPHER is a “community effort”. (2)

All of James’ efforts provide him a reward hard to come by today. “It makes me feel human, humble and a little giddy inside,” he says.

As for the future, he wants to see the service go national. “I will never give up the fight,” he says. (2)