A heartbreaking story has emerged of a mother who tragically took her own life after struggling to cope with a significant increase in her mortgage payments. Kathleen Moore, aged 60, found herself in financial distress when her mortgage payments shot up by £600 per month due to rising interest rates on her interest-only loan. Despite her efforts to make ends meet, Kathleen’s health condition, osteoporosis, limited her ability to work as a dog sitter, and at the same time, she was deemed too young to retire and receive her pension.
Kathleen’s daughter, Amy Evans, shared that her mother had been working tirelessly for four years to keep up with the mortgage payments. Reports suggest that Kathleen even rented out rooms in her home and sought assistance from foodbanks to make ends meet. Despite her proactive approach to tackling her financial struggles, Kathleen faced barriers when she applied for benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit. Regrettably, she was denied these benefits due to her age and homeownership status.
Amy, who was devastated by her mother’s tragic decision to end her life in August 2024, is now advocating for enhanced financial and mental health support for individuals over the age of 60. She is actively campaigning for a review of the eligibility criteria for Universal Credit and PIP to prevent others in similar situations from being denied essential financial assistance. Amy emphasises the need for tailored support for older individuals who are self-employed, carers, or living independently without dependents.
In the wake of Kathleen’s passing, Amy discovered the extent of her mother’s financial distress, including desperate measures such as turning to loan sharks for assistance. Reflecting on her mother’s journey, Amy highlighted the importance of accessible mental health counselling services for older individuals facing financial hardships. She believes that having someone to talk to could have potentially altered her mother’s tragic outcome.
Amy cherishes the memories of her mother, describing her as the life and soul of parties in her youth. Through her petition and advocacy efforts, Amy hopes to raise awareness and prompt changes that could prevent similar tragedies in the future. She urges for a shift in the support system to ensure that vulnerable individuals like her mother receive the assistance they need to navigate financial challenges and safeguard their mental well-being.
As the family continues to grieve Kathleen’s loss, Amy’s campaign for improved support for individuals over 60 serves as a poignant tribute to her mother’s memory. By shedding light on Kathleen’s struggles and advocating for change, Amy aims to prevent others from experiencing the same level of despair that her mother faced. In the face of adversity, Amy’s resilience and determination to effect positive change highlight the profound impact of financial struggles on mental health and well-being.
For those in need of immediate support or someone to talk to, organisations like Samaritans offer free and confidential assistance round-the-clock. Regardless of the challenges one may be facing, reaching out for help can make a significant difference in times of distress. Amidst life’s difficulties, resources like Samaritans provide a vital lifeline for individuals seeking emotional support and understanding.
The tragic loss of Kathleen Moore serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and accessible support for those grappling with financial burdens and mental health challenges. Amy’s advocacy efforts underscore the need for systemic changes to ensure that individuals facing similar circumstances receive the assistance and care they require to navigate through tough times. By amplifying Kathleen’s story, Amy hopes to spark meaningful change and prevent others from enduring the same hardships that her mother faced.