My son can’t breathe in our mouldy home – he’s been rushed to hospital 7 times & the housing association hasn’t helped
A MUM has told how her son battles to breathe in their mouldy home - and claimed her housing association "hasn't done anything about it".
Chaileigh Clancy, 21, said 18-month-old Billy has been to hospital “six or seven times” with breathing difficulties since the mildew began festering last year.
The mum-of-one, from Merton, London, said a leak from the flat above began seeping into the home in October and “ruined everything”.
She found the damp soaking in a cupboard in her hall, along with "thick black mould" growing up the walls.
Her son Billy's health "got worse from there" but despite begging Moat Housing Association, which runs the council-owned property, for help, Chaileigh claims little has been done.
She told The Sun Online: “He’s been in and out of hospital about five, maybe six, seven times now.
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“The first time his belly was sinking in, it was horrific, we got sent in an ambulance, he was on nebulisers, steroids, everything just to help with his breathing.
“When I told [doctors] I had mould in my property they said that's triggering it, that’s what’s causing the issue. It’s frightening.”
Chaileigh said it took roughly two months for someone from Moat to come out to her and put a dehumidifier in.
She said they took the humidifier back a month later and claims they haven't helped since.
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She added: “I’ve sent them a hospital letter which explains we can't live in these conditions due to the mould and they haven't done anything about it.
“I’ve put complaints in and heard nothing.
“My son’s health assistant has sent three emails saying they need to accommodate us, but we still haven't heard anything back.
“They haven’t given any solution. It's just awful."
Chaileigh says doctors have not yet got to the bottom of Billy’s health issues and the tot was once again rushed to hospital last week after he was left “gasping for air”.
And she says medics have said the mould in her house will only make things worse.
Of his most recent hospital dash, Chaileigh said: "They had to carry him out to the ambulance, I was told my son could end up in intensive care. It's been quite traumatic.
“He's now been put on antibiotics for two months."
A spokesperson from Moat said: “We are very sorry that our service has fallen short in this instance, and for the impact this has had on Ms. Clancy and her son.
“The leak which was the source of the problem was fixed in January, and we surveyed the property earlier this week to make sure it had dried out sufficiently for the final repairs to be undertaken.
“Whilst the damp has cleared, some mould remains in the two cupboards which were affected. We are working swiftly to resolve this with a mould wash and repaint as soon as is convenient to Ms. Clancy.”
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As Chaileigh’s complaints have been going to Moat Housing, her local council was unable to comment.
Merton Council did, however, say they were happy to work with Moat in order to help if Chaileigh contacts them.
