Kind hearted Blackpool plumbers get to work for swindled pensioner

Sam Gaw, 30, and Kane Guest, 24, of Complete Service Plumbing on Bolton Street, turned to The Gazette for help after hearing the tragic story of an 82-year-old man cheated out of a walk-in bath when the rogue trader he hired gambled the cash away.

Now they are celebrating as the victim, retired welder David Ryder, stepped forward to contact The Gazette – and are looking forward to starting work on his new bathroom after paying a visit to his St Annes home.

Sam, who lives in Cleveleys, said: “It went very well. He was a little bit nervous at first which I can understand after what happened but we got on really well.

“We measured everything up and got down what he wanted.

“He’s got a bath that he needs turning into a walk-in shower to help him as he gets older. We’re putting handrails up and a new wash basin. I’ve also got an electrician coming round to put the lights right and future-proof the room a bit more.

“We’re planning to start work this week and should be done no later than Friday.”

While Sam and Kane offered their plumbing expertise for free, more good news was on the way.

After hearing David’s story, Complete Service Plumbing’s generous suppliers Jewsons and Topps Tiles agreed to provide all necessary materials free of charge.

Sam said: “When we told him we had arranged everything for free he was absolutely over the moon.”

David said: “I was absolutely gobsmacked. I was just speechless.

“I think it was all because of the court case that was in The Gazette.

“It’s amazing in this day and age. The way the world goes, it’s just money-money-money. In the old days it was about service.

“I just needed a walk-in shower because I have a lung disease and if I get in the bath I can’t get out.

“The plumbers were very nice and helpful and I was quite pleased. It should all work out now and I’m looking forward to it.”

Sam added: “Plumbing is a service industry but everyone is so self-serving they forget about helping the community they work in.

“I’m just excited about starting the work and getting it all put right.”