Scots war hero left without heating for 10 years before death

Daily Record

17-05-2025

Former sailor Michael Board and wife Patricia, from Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, suffered damp conditions for a decade - sparking calls for better support.
A Scots war hero secretly went without heating for ten years before his death, heartbroken relatives have revealed.
Former sailor Michael Board and his wife Patricia suffered damp and mouldy conditions for a decade after struggling to get their broken boiler replaced.
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His son Steve, who lives hundreds of miles away, only made the discovery as he helped his mum sort through his dad's belongings following the 73-year-old's death in September.
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A leading charity said the tragedy highlights the 'hidden struggles' of the elderly and vulnerable and underlines the need for better protection.
Chief petty officer Michael and Particia, 72, lived in Helensburgh, after a 35-year career with the navy which saw him serve throughout the Cold War.
Their former soldier and paramedic son Steve, 52, who lives in England, said: 'It has been a nightmare. My parents only ever lived in military housing and were not used to dealing with energy companies.
'When I went through my dad's stuff I found the paperwork.
'An elderly couple have been left without a working boiler for ten years.
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'Due to having no heating, my parents' house had a lot of damp problems and issues with mould.
'That did nothing to help my dad's respiratory problems.'
Paperwork revealed the couple had made attempts to get a new boiler in 2019 but the work was never completed.
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Former Royal Engineer corporal Steve, who served in the Army for 24 years, has turned to charity Advice Direct Scotland for support for his mum and has sought answers from his dad's energy provider.
The provider told us it had done all it could to assist the couple and offered additional support to Michael's widow going forward.
But Steve says more help should be available to avoid further cases like theirs.
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He said: 'It's unacceptable for the elderly and infirm to be left like this.
"I have been pushed about from pillar to post when dealing with this as nobody wants to take ownership of the problem.
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"I only visited in summer so I didn't know how bad it was.
"These massive companies have a duty of care.
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'I was shocked at the level of callousness when I complained about this.'
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'No one should suffer in silence. Especially not our older generation, who have given so much and deserve dignity, warmth and care in their later years.
'This is a stark reminder of the hidden struggles many elderly people face behind closed doors.
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'Too often, older individuals are left navigating complex energy systems alone, unaware of their rights or too proud to ask for help. That's where we step in.
'Whether it's helping to challenge unfair charges or ensuring someone is receiving all the support they're entitled to, we're here to listen, to act and to make a difference.
'We work closely with energy providers, local authorities, and families to ensure no one is left in the cold - literally or figuratively.
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'Our advisors can help identify issues like unclaimed benefits or billing errors that might otherwise go unnoticed for years.
'We also offer energy efficiency advice and support for those in crisis.
'If you're worried about a loved one - or yourself - please reach out. We're here to help, without judgment and with compassion.
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'Everyone deserves to live in a warm, safe home. Let's make sure no one is forgotten.'
Advice Direct Scotland, the country's national advice service, runs energyadvice.scot which provides free, impartial, practical advice on energy bills for anyone in Scotland.
Call 0808 196 8660 for free or visit www.energyadvice.scot.