It all began in 2017 when plumber James Anderson came across a con by a heating company that tried to cheat an elderly disabled man off 5500 pounds. Determined to do something about it, the 53-year-old plumber founded Depher (Disabled and Elderly Plumbing and Heating Emergency Response).
In the three years since, James has helped over 10,000 families without ever demanding a dime. His large-heartedness took on a whole new level during the 2020 pandemic as he started providing food parcels, PPE kits and even paying the bills of the elderly and disabled.
While it has cost him nearly 57,000 pounds (~ Rs 57 lakhs) from his own pocket, the father of six has never wavered on his commitment.
“If you’ve got disabilities, issues, sometimes these things can become too difficult to overcome and we want to make sure they’re taken care of. We’ve all got a social responsibility to each other – we need to be there for each other.”
The kindness he gave out into the world found its way back to him in 2019 when a bill for zero pounds (including the written guarantee to be available 24 hours to help her and keep her comfortable) James gave a 91-year-old cancer patient went viral and the country took note.
The plumber, struggling with debt due to his large heartedness, found himself the recipient of not just love from across the nation but also donations to the staggering tune of 80,000 pounds (~ Rs 80 lakhs) that in the end, helped cover his debt and now allows him to expand his service across different cities.
Since the inception of Depher, James has connected with plumbers across Manchester, Lancashire, Leeds and parts of Scotland to provide the same aid across UK. And Depher is not done yet. Not by a long shot, to hear it from James Anderson.
"People are talking about doing it in America, France and Australia, and they're all going to contact me to get advice and guidance as to how to do it in their countries. Hopefully... we can bring all communities together for one common cause across the planet, so everybody who's elderly and disabled, not just in the UK, can benefit from something like this in society."
– James Anderson, Depher
Author's note:
Since 2017, every year, I take up the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge and focus on showcasing lovely real-life heroes from around the world. The aim is to remind you that there is still plenty of good human beings all around you... to inspire you to smile once more.
Want more stories of compassion?
I have Hundreds of 'Heroes of Kindness' to brighten your day here. Earlier editions can be viewed from the links below:
2017 edition (Articles - 40, Heroes - 67)
2018 edition (Articles - 34, Heroes - 52)
2019 edition (Articles - 31, Heroes - 42)
2020 edition (Articles - 30, Heroes - 64)
Such a noble work by Anderson. We can only imagine about the large- heartedness of these real-life heroes. Thanks for sharing these amazing stories and spreading positivity.
ReplyDeleteA very inspiring story! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHow thoughtful and noble of him! May he be able to extend his services across many more countries.
ReplyDeleteSuch large heartedness realizing social responsibility is commendable and highly appreciable. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI have been forever a fan of your 'Heroes of Kindness' series. Keep doing the amazing work sirji and Keep bringing out these unsung champion stories. You are doing a great service.
ReplyDeleteKeep going and all the best for A to Z.
He looks like such an ordinary man..James Andersen Depher could be just a face in the crowd but his deeds compare to Godliness. How do people come out with such brilliant ideas...they are surely angels of God.
ReplyDeleteFew people realise and act on social responsibility. His kindness during the lockdown is commendable.
ReplyDeleteGot my daily dose of inspiration yet again, its a pleasure to be here everyday
ReplyDeleteWe all have social responsibility to each other. Wish more of us can understand this. A lovely positive series and recognition of heroes across globe
ReplyDeleteDeepika Sharma
Though we can say that Anderson is an inspiration, but how many people get inspired to do such selfless work. It requires a wild Passion to go after such nobel deeds I guess. I love reading your articles as it affirms the belief in goodness.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such inspirational posts. People like Anderson should be given highest honor. When I read such stories my belief in humanity remains intact.
ReplyDeleteyes elderly and disable people go through various challenges during their day to day life. James is doing an amazing job to helping them. such an amazing series by you.
ReplyDeleteJames is teh perfect example of what goes around, comes around. God Bless him.
ReplyDeleteThis is very inspiring to know that People like Anderson are still there and doing such a great cause.
ReplyDeleteJyoti
People like Anderson are rare but they strengthen our belief in goodness. I remember reading one of your inspirational articles a couple of years back in AtoZ 2019.
ReplyDeleteSuch a noble deed and thanks for introducing him. I'm loving this series.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of a story sometime I read in Humans of Mumbai... Where an old man used to offer free vada pav to the construction workers or some such story. Very inspirational to read such stories... Makes me feel wish I could be even 1% like this.
ReplyDeletesuch an amazing person. it is a blessing to haven them around.
ReplyDeleteNo words for such a noble soul. People like Anderson makes us believe that Humanity is never going to suppress in any era, it only requires a heart of kindness, mind of courage and soul of empathy. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteArchana
archusblog
I read your heros of kindness series last year too. Love the way you are capturing them year after year. People like Anderson and you are the ones who work behind the scenes for us to keep our trust in humanity intact.
ReplyDeleteKindness attract happiness. Loving this series. In a world where kindness is often tagged as foolishness these stories heal us.
ReplyDeleteSreeparna