Mother of disabled girl thanks The Post as energy firm writes off £4k of debt

The mum of a child with inoperable brain cancer has had crippling debt written off by her energy company.

Ashley Sim’s daughter, Natalya, is cared for at home as she fights to survive on maintenance chemotherapy and the complications of a brain stem tumour.

The Sunday Post revealed how the crippling cost of high energy bills in a home where the heating cannot be turned down or off resulted in an almost £4,000 debt.

They are living proof that an energy tariff in the form of lower or subsidised energy bills for these family is crucial, especially during the ongoing recession.

The young mum, from Hawick, is one of hundreds of parents struggling to cope with the burden of caring for a sick child at home.

Last week, energy giant OVO released her from that debt, lifting an intolerable emotional load at the family’s most vulnerable time.

Debts cleared

Ashley said: “I am delighted that OVO has shown compassion because the heartbreak of having a child with cancer is stressful and emotionally painful enough without the frantic worry of debt hanging over my shoulders.

“I cannot thank the Sunday Post enough for its support, especially when we are at our most vulnerable. I fully support an energy tariff for families like us.

“Our bills are much higher with heating and ongoing oxygen pumps and other lifesaving equipment, and we cannot work because caring for a seriously ill child is ongoing, 24 hours a day.”

The mum-of-three is being supported by the children’s hospices CHAS. “Chris Evans, their energy advisor, was a lifeline when I called them for help,” she continued. “I will always be very grateful to CHAS.”

Natalya, 12, has spent most of her childhood struggling to cope with her brain tumour.

“I can only turn off the heating if she is in hospital and my sons are at school,” Ashley said.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised our most vulnerable families support with energy bills but, so far, no energy tariff has been forthcoming.

The Scottish Government recently cut off compassionate support in Heating Fund payments.

It says the Child Winter Heating payment offers support.

Cost of Caring campaign

The Sunday Post’s Cost of Caring campaign for fairer bills is backed by the UK’s leading doctors and charities.

They include the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), Royal College of Nursing Scotland, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, CHAS children’s hospices, Young Lives Vs Cancer, the Poverty Alliance, the Carer’s Trust and others.

Soaring numbers of families are falling into debt after being burdened by high gas and electricity bills.

They pay, on average, twice as much as most families as they run up bills caring for their chronically sick children at home.

Energy watchdog Ofgem reports a record energy debt from families at a record £3.1 billion and welcomes a forthcoming fall in bills.

OVO said: “We’re always striving to provide the best possible experience for our customers.

“It is great to hear that we were able to support Ms Sim through a difficult time.

“Our team will continue to be available to assist her should she need any further support.”

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: “A social tariff is about protecting vulnerable people and that’s exactly what we are doing by providing significant financial support for those who need it most.

“This includes £900 in cost-of-living payments, £150 to those on eligible disability benefits, plus a further £150 Warm Home Discount. Our Energy Price Guarantee also remains in place until April 2024.”