Julia’s husband passed away leaving huge gambling debts amassed in both their names. With help from a St Vincent’s Support Centre debt manager Julia overcome her despair to make a fresh debt free beginning.
When her husband of many years passed away, Julia was left alone to deal with a £25,000 gambling debt that had amassed in their joint names. At the age of 76, Julia was in utter despair, trying to cope with her grief alongside feelings of bitter betrayal. She was living on a state pension and disability allowance with no means to repay the debt. It seemed an impossible situation, compounded by the fact that her husband had always taken care of the bills. Julia was referred to St Vincent’s support centre in Leeds where the debt manager approached the bank and asked it to write off her debt. This was refused, pushing Julia deeper into a dark place. Feeling isolated, she spoke several times about taking her own life. Eventually, with regular support from her St Vincent's Support Centre debt manager, her confidence has increased and she can now manage her own accounts and bills. She was forced to declare herself bankrupt but the bankruptcy has been discharged and she is managing to meet her friends and look after herself again. Julia is debt free and is looking forward to the future.
