Calls for Urgent Housing Support as Family Faces Eviction During Cancer Treatment
Local Family Facing Housing Crisis While Battling Serious Illness Calls for Urgent Support
A Dorset family is speaking out about the severe difficulties they are facing, as they cope with serious health challenges, deteriorating living conditions, and the uncertainty of losing their home.
Josh & Lindsey Hill-Walsh and their family, have lived in a privately rented property for around 15 years, say their home has fallen into serious disrepair due to long term neglect. They report that despite raising concerns over the years, the property has not received regular inspections or necessary maintenance.
Recently, an Environmental Health Officer inspected the house and identified a Category 1 hazard relating to penetrating damp and mould, along with additional Category 2 hazards. The conditions have caused significant concern, particularly given the family’s health circumstances.
Adding to their distress, the family has now been served with a Section 21 eviction notice, meaning they must find a new home while dealing with the pressures of illness and treatment.
At the centre of the family’s struggle is Josh a husband and father who is currently fighting Stage 4 cancer. He is undergoing intensive targeted therapy and chemotherapy, enduring the severe side effects of treatment while trying to maintain some normality in daily life. The stress of an impending house move and uncertainty about the future has placed further strain on the household.
The family say that just one year ago, life looked very different. Both adults were working full time as Dorset Council employees building their future and contributing to the community. The sudden change in circumstances has been overwhelming.
They have applied for social housing and have been placed in Band B priority, but they believe their situation involving serious illness, hazardous housing conditions, and the risk of homelessness warrants urgent reconsideration.
The family is now appealing to Dorset Council, local housing authorities, and their Member of Parliament Lloyd Hatton to review their case and provide greater support at what they describe as the most difficult period of their lives.
Lindsey said “We are doing everything we can to stay strong as a family,” she says. “But the stress of living in unsafe conditions, facing eviction, and fighting a life threatening illness at the same time is overwhelming. We are simply asking for compassion, understanding, and help.”
They hope that by sharing their story, awareness will be raised about the challenges many families face when illness, housing, and financial pressures collide and that urgent help can be found before their situation worsens further.
To help give the family a much needed break from the pressure they are facing, AIR107.2 has organised free tickets for the family, thanks to the incredible support of Weymouth Football Club. The club has offered full support and an afternoon out for the family, who are avid football fans.
They will be attending Weymouth’s home fixture against Havant & Waterlooville, with the match also being broadcast live on AIR107.2 for the duration of the game. The family hopes the day will provide a brief but welcome escape and a chance to enjoy time together during an incredibly challenging period.