A MOTHER-of-five who was plunged into despair after her partner hanged himself has been saved from homelessness – thanks to the Observer.
Traumatised widow Justine Har-greaves was told her home would be repossessed while she was battling cervical cancer and trying to rebuild her life.
But after we publicised her plight she has been offered help from social landlord, Hyndburn Homes.
This last-minute lifeline comes less than two years after she found her partner Stuart Davis, 36, hanging from a belt at their home in Seathwaite Way, Huncoat, while he was suffering from suspected bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression.
Mr Davis, who was a self-employed cabinet-maker and a Special Constable in Manchester, had cancelled all the family’s direct debit payments at Christmas 2005, including all their life insurance policies and loan repayments.
He kept the fact hidden until after his death in November 2006.
Justine, 36, said this week: "This has given me a sense of utter relief. I am looking at this situation as a fresh start.
"It would have been my worst nightmare to have had to move into the homeless unit and I have the Observer to thank for preventing that from happening. All the children can’t wait to move."
Six weeks after the death of Mr Davis the family was hit by another tragedy when Justine’s 73-year-old father lost his fight against bowel cancer.
Throughout the trauma Justine has had the welfare of her five children, Jade, 15, Samuel, seven, Nathaniel, six, and twins Coral and Crystal, three, to consider.
The young family will now move into one of Hyndburn Homes’ 23 new purpose-built homes in Charter Street, Acc-rington, at the end of this month.
Nigel Fenton, of Hyndburn Homes, said: "Our selection criteria for these homes is based on housing need.
"We are pleased to be able to assist this lady and hope that she will settle into her new home."
Justine is now a member of SOBS – Survivors of Bereavement through Suicide – and hopes to offer support to people who find themselves in a similar situation.
On Wednesday, SOBS is holding its first national awareness day to help remove the social stigma attached to suicide.
Justine said: "Knowing that someone who has been in the same situation is there for you 24 hours a day means more than you could ever imagine.
"I think it is fantastic we are finally able to share our grief without stigma. Awareness makes it a lot easier for people bereaved by suicide to ask for help and support when they need it the most."
For more information on Hyndburn SOBS, which meets every second Thursday, contact Gail on 59751.
