A PENSIONER who fears losing her home if she does not get rid of her hoarded items said she has been overwhelmed by support from wellwishers.

Since May Appleton's story was featured in last week's Guardian the 87-year-old said she has been surprised by how it has tugged on people's heart strings.

The story has also featured in the Daily Mail, Daily Mirror and the Sun and May, who lives in Lostock Gralam, has been invited to appear on BBC North West Tonight and The One Show.

She has also received a number of letters of support from neighbours.

"I've been surprised at the reaction," she said.

"No-one on the estate knew about it until this but the letters we've had have been smashing.

"I never knew people cared so much."

May, who has lived in Langford Road for 61 years, was told by landlords Weaver Vale Housing Trust that her collections were a fire hazard and she would be evicted if she did not get rid of them to comply with her tenancy agreement.

She lives with her three sons Brian, 61, Mark, 51, and Paul, 49, who are all collectors.

Among the items are valuable dolls, Star Wars and Action Man toys, autographs from Hollywood stars of the 1930s and a card sent to May's parents by the Queen Mother to thank them for looking after evacuees during the Second World War.

"The whole house is memories, everywhere you go," May said.

"I'm not getting rid of my things, they're doing no harm to anyone."

The Appleton's neighbour said: "I have been the next door neighbour to the Appletons for several years and I have always found them to be courteous, helpful and friendly neighbours."

Leftwich woman Samantha Fernley said: "I wish I had a neighbour like Mrs Appleton, somebody who has a caring nature and a warmth about her.

"I wish I had a neighbour like Mrs Appleton, somebody who has a caring nature and a warmth around her.

"Her house looks lovely, clean and cosy and I'd love to have a cup of tea with Mrs Appleton and talk about all her interesting things"

A wellwisher wrote: "I have known May for 30 years, she has always been a very nice neighbour, her doll collection is beautiful and part of her life.

"It would be cruel to expect her to part with it."

 

  • THE Appletons will not be evicted from their home before Christmas.

Landlord Weaver Vale Housing Trust has moved to reassure May Appleton, 87, and her sons that they can stay in their home throughout the Christmas period and that the organisation wants to work with the family to make their home safe.

The trust had obtained a possession order for the Langford Road house and the Appletons were told that the deadline for compliance with that order was November 24.

Chris Rowbottom, the trust’s director of housing, said: “We have remained in contact with Mrs Appleton and her family to try to find a way of making the home safe, which is our utmost priority. We have offered to help her find somewhere else to store some of the hoarded items, and although this was refused the offer is still open.

“It is with great reluctance that we have had to take legal proceedings, which at present is the only option left open to us as a social landlord.

“We have assured Mrs Appleton and her family that they will be able to stay in their home throughout Christmas.”