A YOUNG mum is still waiting for a new disabled-friendly council house more than a year after her son had to undergo an amputation.
Micaela Jennings appeared in the Advertiser in February 2008 to appeal to the council to move her to a more appropriate home.
But more than a year later she and her five-year-old son Leon are still living in a house where she has to carry him up the stairs to bed, they have to have a commode in the kitchen and Leon has to crawl around downstairs as his wheelchair cannot fit through the halls and rooms.
Leon contracted meningitis and underwent an amputation on his fourth birthday.
He lost his lower right leg, left big toe and three fingers of his left hand.
The youngster now faces more operations as the bone on his amputated leg continues to grow and protrude through the skin so it needs trimming, the bones above and below the knee also grow at different rates and to one side which means he might need plates in it to set it straight.
After the family appeared in the Advertiser Pip Higham, of Walkden, offered them an adapted home in Old Clough Lane but Micaela, a full-time carer for Leon, says she could not afford the rent.
Single mum Micaela, of Northbourne Street, Seedley, says she has bid for a new council property every week for the last year but is constantly told none are available.
She added: "It’s horrible that I have to watch my son who, through no fault of his own, is having to adapt to his world rather than the world adapting to him.
"He’s five now and he tells me he doesn’t like it that I still have to put the toothpaste on his toothbrush because he can’t reach the sink, he wants to achieve it himself and I know he can.
"I’m just trying to make him as able-bodied as possible.
"We need a house that can accommodate him into his teenage years, like having a wet room and one with a lift or if it has stairs then they need to have handrails on both sides. I can’t carry on like this, I can’t just make do any more.
"It’s not for my benefit, my son needs this and that’s what the council forgets. I’m the only voice for him."
The council were unavailable for comment.
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rebeccaj, salford (31/01/2010 at 13:53)
Here are a few comments from people who have joined.
1) I can't believe it's been a year since that article and he still hasn't got adapted housing. That's appalling..
2) i remember this story and i cannot believe that they are still waiting for a suitable property for this lovely cheeky faced little boy ( what a darling he is ) hope you get something soon , good luck xxxxx
3) Its a disgrace waiting all that time for suitable housing for this little one come on salford council get your fingers out!
4) all i can say same old story the people who do need helpdon't get it SALFORD COUNCIL HOLD YOURE HEAD IN SHAME
5) Why should you have to bid?? You should both be given the house you need without all the hassle of bidding!!. Salford Council should be salfordians priority!! makes me mad... good luck with it all xx
6) Leon is in my little boy's class, and is such a polite charming little boy. It's such a shame. Come on Hazel Blear's, pull ur finger out and do something to help.
7) good luck in getting not what u want its what u need, people with disabilities shudnt have to bid, u should be straight at the top of the rehousing list, this country is a disgrace
8) Sad state of affairs, when you carnt get the help you need, poor little boy has suffered enough. for gods sake salford council sort your own out first. god bless hope things work out for you both. xx
Any many more like them.
How far do we need to go with this? Its like a never ending fight to get whats right! Disabled people need to be heard its sad that its come to putting their lives on a public plate to be heard! My family need a home for Leon's needs. My sister a mum in a million she has adapted her's and Leon's life around him being disabled because she has no other choice. Why should they have to struggle/make do in this tiny house any longer???
Rebecca Jennings
rebeccaj, salford (01/02/2010 at 11:41)
rebeccaj, salford (02/02/2010 at 11:14)