Hoarder lived in cottage with mum’s body covered in clutter for up to 4 years
THE body of an elderly woman thought to have died up to four years ago has been found beneath a mountain of clutter in the cottage she shared with her daughter.
Police were called to the 19th century stone cottage after neighbours raised concerns over the wellbeing of 87-yearold Gaynor Jones and her daughter Valerie.
Miss Jones, who is in her 50s, was discovered barely alive beneath mounds of papers and was taken to hospital.
Four days later, search teams sifting through their possessions discovered the badly decomposed remains of her mother.
Neighbours believe Miss Jones shared the cottage in Aberaeron, West Wales, with her widowed mother’s corpse for up to four years. Both women were well-known in the community, although they were rarely seen by neighbours.
Their home is the first of three stone buildings known as the Dolheulog Cottages, believed to have been built in the late 19th century. They were so cluttered that many thought they were abandoned.
One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: ‘I think the mother was born there, so the cottages have been in her family’s hands for about a century. They were very reclusive. You certainly wouldn’t pop over for a cup of tea. I guess you could describe them as odd.’ Another said: ‘They are a wellknown Aberaeron family who keep themselves to themselves and certainly do not seem to welcome visitors. Valerie is a single woman who has been living alone with her mother since her father died several years ago. What has happened there is all a bit of a mystery.’
The two women were mainly Welsh speakers, and rarely mixed with the English neighbours who had moved into the country town.
One neighbour said he had not seen either of them for four years.
Miss Jones, who was severely dehydrated, was taken to Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth.
Local county councillor Elizabeth Evans said she had known Mrs Jones and her daughter all her life. ‘The most important thing at the moment is that Valerie is safe and in hospital,’ she said.
A police spokesman said: ‘DyfedPowys Police received a report concerning the welfare of two women from the Aberaeron area.
‘On police attendance at the property one female was taken to hospital. Following a search of the property the remains of a body have been found. The death is being treated as unexplained.’
Ceredigion coroner Peter Brunton has been informed and an inquest is due to be opened.