Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Desperate tot’s mum in dire need
Hit hard by benefits rules
She’s got a year’s supply of clothes for her wee one
The founder of a Lanarkshire baby bank has thanked the public for helping a Coatbridge mum who was in dire straits.
Bernadette Murphy posted a heart-wrenching Facebook appeal after the desperate mother reached out to her.
The 55-year-old uploaded a video in which she explained a young mum had been in touch revealing she had been hit with “unfair” benefit sanctions and couldn’t afford food or necessities for her two-yearold son.
Bernadette’s video has been viewed almost 25,000 times and was the catalyst for the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, receiving hundreds of donations from generous locals. there were lots of donations handed in. Food, clothes, nappies and toys. People have been so kind.
“She’s now got a year’s supply of clothes for her wee one. She was absolutely gobsmacked.”
But Bernadette says it’s wrong that people continue to live in such dire straits.
She added: “The saddest thing is that most of the people who come to me actually work but are on zero-hour contracts.
“They need to be able to pay their bills and feed their children.
“With this mum, it was an alleged mix-up with her paperwork that led to her benefits being sanctioned for four months.
“This is the second time it had happened to her.
“Thankfully the people of Monklands have an amazing community spirit and were able to help her in a time of need.”