Latest news with #familystruggles
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE How 'the worst builder in Britain' demolished a family's £500k home after they refused to pay his bill in a bitter war lasting four years
The summer of 2021 should have been a fresh start for the Kurji family - a new beginning in their freshly renovated dream Leicester home. Instead, it was the start of four years of hell that saw them living in a cramped bungalow and drowning under mountainous debts. Because, what the young family didn't know when they jetted off for a rare holiday that year was they'd return to find this dream in ashes and that depending on who you ask, they were entirely to blame. It all started with an argument. Mr Kurji claims he fell out with his workman - who he has never named- after refusing to pay him an additional £3,500 because he was unhappy with the standard of his work. These sorts of dispute aren't uncommon in the building world, but what happened next certainly is. The row escalated and the builder tore off the roof of his dream home while Mr Kurji was on holiday, leaving behind an interminable construction zone that infuriated neighbours and almost bankrupted the family. After it was bulldozed, horrified neighbours called the family to tell him that the roof had been removed and the plot had been left scattered with building rubble. For four years, the house was uninhabitable. In the interim, the young family were squeezed into a modest bungalow belonging to the paternal parents while the £500,000 home in Guilford Road, on the outskirts of the Midlands city, was once again being rebuilt. Now finally, they say they have been able to move in, and are trying to put their encounter with the 'worst builder in Britain' behind them for good. A source close to the family has told how they lost 'tens of thousands of pounds' but are now re-building their lives after their shocking ordeal. As they are now settling into their 'forever home' in a leafy street in Stoneygate, a desirable suburb of Leicester, Mrs Kurji told a friend: 'The whole episode made us very angry and upset, but it is life, and it has to move on, and we're enjoying living in the house and having so much space.' The family had been forced to live for several years, squeezed into a modest bungalow belonging to the paternal parents while the £500,000 home in Guilford Road, on the outskirts of the Midlands city, was once again being rebuilt. The pal, speaking for the first time on the family's behalf, said: 'The house was destroyed in May 2021 and it took ages to rebuild after the owners, not surprisingly had a mistrust of builders and trades people. 'But they found a reliable and competent team and their home was completed in January 2024, and they were thrilled to move in. 'It has seven bedrooms and is open plan downstairs with marble-effect porcelain tiles and underfloor heating, and a beautiful kitchen and garden. 'It is a stunning property and they finally have their forever home. They love it and enjoy living there. It is their happy place.' The friend told MailOnline how tax adviser Mrs Kurji, 38, and her 44-year-old husband were 'unfairly' blamed by some locals residents for leaving the property inhabitable and 'a pile of rubble' for so long. They said: 'Mrs Kurji was particularly upset that a couple of neighbours blamed them for the house being knocked down and not being re-built for over two years. 'Then when it was re-constructed some complained, saying it was not in keeping with the street, it was too white, and made it look bad. 'But she insisted it was the family's personal choice and feel they shouldn't be judged.' The Asian family - including a nine-year-old son and daughter, aged six, and two grandparents - had expected to move in at the end of 2021. Some of the neighbours blame the family for leaving an unsightly pile of rubble for so long. And since the re-build they have mixed feelings on the controversial property, with one saying: 'It is a monstrosity and looks out of place in a street full of mainly red brick Edwardian houses.' A man living opposite, who declined to be named, said of the large white washed three-storey building with pitched grey roof and matching plastic window frames, said: 'A modern house should not have a place like this in the street but would fit well on a new build estate.' He said there had, surprisingly, not been one single objections to the plans submitted to Leicester City Council. The resident of 22 years told MailOnline: 'I saw the plans and wanted to object but was told not to make nay negative comments by my wife who wanted to keep the peace.' Another said: 'It looks different and sticks out like a sore thumb. But it is their choice and shouldn't judge their style. 'We're more concerned about the road here because drivers are using it as a rat run from London Road, racing along a residential road. 'The council fail to do anything, and sadly, it may take a death before they do, and need to introduce a traffic calming scene,.' The Kurji source, revealing the family's nightmare, told how they were granted planning approval to a 1920's standard detached house, which had been owned y a widowed pensioner and was very dated, into a modern six-seven bedroom house with an extension and loft concession. They got on board an English builder called Thomas (no surname), who was self trading, and had been recommended by several previous customers and friends, and they had viewed the work done. But while the family was on holiday in Wales there was a dispute over payment between the family and builder, who had been left working during their absence. The friend said: 'The builder had been paid an initial sum agreed when a dispute followed. 'The house had three outer walls and no back wall facing the garden, which was waiting for bifold doors to be installed, and no roof. 'While the family was away, the builder was due to be constructing the triangular roof. 'They had already paid him lots of money, tens of thousands of pounds, but it was agreed that he had to do X, Y and Z before the next payment instalment was made. 'While they were on holiday the builder kept calling the Mr Kurjo saying 'Pay me, pay me!' but he was told the agreed works needed to be completed first. 'The next thing a neighbour rang Jay to say the three standing walls and roof structure had been bulldozed and totally demolished. 'The family was very angry and upset but the builder did a runner and they have never heard from him since. He just ran away. The source continued: 'They were devastated when they saw the house, and have since had to live in a bungalow while they had to re-do everything they had already paid for. 'They got new builders in, which initially they had been wary about doing, but the owner's father-in-law stayed there every hour to oversee, like a hawk, all th worked being done. 'He is the major reason the house was completes, he put in immense hours and watched them morning and night. 'He had to keep his eye in them because they were concerned about the actions of the previous builder. 'The couple have a big mortgage on the property and they have lost tens of thousands of pounds. 'They have since heard on the grapevine that the builder, who was never investigated by police over his action, had an intention to exit the project half way through and take the money, 'It appears the job was too big for him and his sub contractors, and there was a lot of lying. 'But they are having to put al this behind them and not dwell on it. 'They enjoy living in the house, they love it, and the children, who were very young at the the time have seen the journey of the house. 'They kept the design very simple and modern, but it has lots of space inside. It is there forever home. 'They say their neighbours, despite a few objecting ones, are really nice and they all look out for each other and have a community WhatsApp page. 'All they want now is for the council to introduce some traffic calming measures to stop traffic speeding along the street.' Mr Kurji previously admitted that he and the builder had fallen out over a £3,500 bill. Speaking in April 2021, he told how he had bought the house the previous year for £475,000. He said: 'The builder started in February and we wanted lots of work done so it could become our family home for six of us. 'We wanted a two-storey extension, a new roof, new wiring and for it to be more environmentally friendly. It's a nightmare. 'Unfortunately I picked the worst builder in Britain.'
The Guardian
6 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Life before and after nearly losing a child
Archie Bland's article about his son and his family's experience mirrors that of my own family (The boy who came back: the near-death, and changed life, of my son Max, 24 May). My son, who is now nine years old, had a blood clot in his small intestine which led to two major life-saving operations in 48 hours, and a complete change in his health, capabilities and lifestyle. My life has now been for ever split between 'Before 16 April 2023' (the day my son nearly died) and 'After'. Archie detailed the intense emotions of every step beautifully. One of the hardest things when you go through nearly losing a child, and having an altered child return to you, is the loneliness. He depicts this so well, as even if you are lucky enough to be surrounded by family and friends, it is hard to not feel as though you and your partner are the only two people in the world who are dealing with this fear, sadness, worry and desperate need to help your child. My family and I are now in a much better place – much better than we ever thought possible back in April 2023. There is a time when the loudest thoughts will fade – those grief-ridden thoughts about the future your child may have had, the desperate thoughts about making every moment count and being useful for your child's development, the frightening thoughts about your child's future, and the outright terrifying thoughts about their vulnerability after your own death. There is a time when they will fade into the background. They will always be there, but the loudest thought will be the love for your child and how they are capable of brightening up your day with the smallest gesture or smile. I offer Archie and his family my sincere best MunirLondon
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Mum living in crowded council house moans about ‘flawed' system, sick trolls say she should give kids to social services
A MOTHER has complained about the 'flawed' council housing system, after her family-of-seven have been forced to live in a two-bedroom property. Lauren Thackeray and her fiancé Chris, who both have two children from previous relationships and one child they share, have lived in their council house for the past 10 years. 2 2 But instead of having their own bedroom, the couple have no choice but to sleep in their living room. And now, Lauren has been hit with a barrage of horrendous abuse from sick trolls - with many telling her to 'close your legs' and some even suggesting she give her children to social services. The pair have also been accused of 'living off benefits ', but the content creator who has 21,400 followers on TikTok, was eager to reveal the reality behind her living situation. Posting on social media, the mother claimed: 'My council house is not big enough for my family and I desperately need a bigger house.' While their home is much too small for the family-of-seven, Lauren shared: 'Me and my partner are currently saving up to buy a bigger house, hopefully in the next year or so. 'We are actually on the waiting list for a council house - however even if we got offered a house tomorrow, I really don't think we would accept it and that is because even though we have five children, we are only entitled to three bedrooms.' Lauren then clarified: 'The reason we're only entitled to three bedrooms is because we don't claim child benefit for my two stepchildren which means in the eyes of the housing they don't exist - even though they stay with us three nights a week, they wouldn't be entitled to a bedroom, which personally I think is flawed.' Lauren recognised that she and Chris are 'fortunate enough' to be in a position to buy a bigger house, which is why they are making ends meet in their crowded home. Following this, the savvy mum continued: 'Our goal has always been to buy a house which is why we stayed in this house, because we've been able to save up for a deposit faster.' The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ laurenamyt, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 34,500 views, 832 likes and 113 comments. I'm 28 and homeless with 6 children - the council won't help and trolls call me a 'scrounger' and tell me to 'close my legs' & 'get a job' But social media users were left stunned by Lauren's claims and many eagerly rushed to the comments to share their thoughts. One person said: 'If you can't afford your children, keep your legs closed.' Another added: 'Have SS take your kids.' The reality of living in a council house LEANNE Hall, Digital Writer at Fabulous, has discussed what it was like growing up in a council house, and why those living in such properties are often judged... When I was a child I grew up in a council house, and was blissfully unaware of the discrimination that came with that, until I became an adult. My younger years were spent running up and down the stairs of my flat, meeting with other friends who lived there and making the most of the communal garden. But now, it seems no matter your circumstance, everyone has something to say about why you shouldn't be there. Living just outside of London like I did, rent prices are still high, and as my mum was at home raising three kids at the time, it wasn't easy to find a job that fit around that. People in council houses are often labelled as 'scroungers' or 'lazy' but it's nothing of the sort. Most families in council homes experience overcrowding, and let's not even mention the horrendous amount of damp and mould that comes from living in old social housing that hasn't had work done to them in 50 or so years. It's not ideal for many, but it does provide a secure home without the fear your rent will shoot up every single year, which I would argue is vital to children growing up on the poverty line. A third commented: 'Don't feel sorry for you at all, your choice to have so many kids.' To this, Lauren clapped back and wrote: 'I'm not asking anyone to feel sorry for me.' Meanwhile, someone else slammed: 'Get a job. Move where you want.' I'm not asking anyone to feel sorry for me Lauren Thackeray "Why should the council give you extra space for kids who have their own room already." Despite the numerous negative remarks, others were keen to wish Lauren the best in the search for her next home. One user wrote: "Good luck on getting your forever home." Whilst a second chimed in: "Best of luck to you."
The Sun
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders' Lacey Turner says ‘we're all facing same struggles' over cost of living crisis despite six-figure salary
EASTENDERS favourite Lacey Turner has candidly opened up on the impact of the cost of living crisis on her family of five. The BBC star, who gave birth to her third baby back in January, has told how "we are all facing the same struggles." 6 6 6 Lacey, who plays Stacey Slater in the BBC One soap, reportedly scoops a five-figure salary for the EastEnders role she started in 2004. Yet she opened up on the "daily struggles" shared by many as costs of everyday items, as well as bills, soar. Lacey is mum to little girl Gipsy, five months, as well as Dusty, aged five, and three-year-old son Trilby who she shares with her husband Matt Kay. She told of the impact of the financial climate on her family and said: "You do what you can. "Ultimately if you strip everything back we're all the same, it doesn't matter what industry you're in. "You could be a broker, you could be hairdresser, you could be a gardener - we're all facing the same struggles daily. "Some people earn more money than others but everyone has different kinds of problems and ultimately underneath that is the judgement. "You cannot judge people you don't know, you never know what another person is going through." According to OK! Magazine, Lacey is earning between £150,000 to £190,000 for her soap role. Just weeks after giving birth, she returned from maternity leave to play her part in Martin Fowler's exit scenes in the show's live episode. She added to MailOnline of money worries: "I look at my shopping bill and think when did that go up? "What would be a £70 shop suddenly becomes a £120 shop and you go oh my God, I'm not buying them again." Meanwhile, the failed side-hustle businesses of soap stars recently came to light. And over at Coronation Street, some cast members have gone to war after a handful were able to top up their income with brand deals - and others weren't. Other TV favourites have also candidly addressed their experiences of bankruptcy. FAMILY LIFE Lacey and her husband Matt are childhood sweethearts and tied the knot in Ibiza back in 2017. They announced the pregnancy on a picturesque beach by holding a picture of Lacey's ultrasound scans. She commented: "Aren't we lucky..." Lacey previously called motherhood the "hardest job I have ever done in my life." However, she wouldn't have it any other way. She told The Sun: "But it's also the best thing in the world. "It has changed me because it makes you see everything differently. "It highlights what's important and what isn't! I think I'm much more chilled out now I'm a mother. "Somehow we manage to juggle everything and everyone and yet we still feel guilty for certain things. "I think until you have done it you can't understand how challenging it is yet so rewarding." 6 6 6
