A deaf pensioner who was found living without food or electricity is back on his feet after an “out pouring of love” from hundreds of kind-hearted strangers.
Francis Tracey, in his 70s, was discovered by officers in his dark and freezing home with no food, electricity or heating.
The desperate pensioner was found after he pulled his care line alarm at his home in Stechford, Birmingham, last November.
The widower was found living in an empty house after his late wife’s family stripped his home bare of his belongings – including his TV.
Shocked officers bought him some food and took him to hospital for treatment to an infected wound to his hand.
After members of the public heard about his plight they rallied round and with the help of police, bought him new clothes and food.
Police posted heartwarming pictures of Francis after he was discharged from hospital and returned home last week.
Writing on Facebook, Birmingham Police said: “Last year we told you about Francis
Tracey, an elderly man from Stechford who we donated clothes to after finding him at home with no food or electricity.
“We had an outpouring of love and support for Mr Tracey and we wanted to update you on his condition.
“Since our post, hundreds of you got in touch offering support to Francis and one member of the public in particular went above and beyond.
“Last week, Nicola Harwood from Sheldon, came to the police station with a ‘small’ donation for him.
“Along with members of her community, they donated box upon box of food supplies, cleaning products and personal hygiene gifts.
“After weeks in an assessment care home, Francis is now back in his own home – so we delivered these generous gifts.
“He is now doing really well and is receiving lots of support; he has had an electricity meter fitted in his house and he’s currently waiting for his hearing aids to be fitted.
“And he’s also been reunited with his beloved dog, Ben.”
PC John King, from Stechford Police, said: “We are staggered by the generosity of the public.
“Mr Tracey captured our hearts the minute we met him and knew we wanted to do something to help him, but the fact that so many people have reached out to us since is incredible.
“We would like to say a massive thank you to Nicola and her community for this very generous donation, which Mr Tracey was overwhelmed by and he now has enough supplies to keep him going for months.”
By Richard McAllister