Corby man forced to abandon mum's body in funeral parlour

A Corby man who nursed his mum through serious illnesses has been forced to abandon her body in a funeral parlour for the past six weeks because he can't afford to pay for a funeral.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st May 2016, 08:56 BST
Updated 1st Jun 2016, 10:43 BST
Annette Hutchings, from Corby, who died six weeks ago. NNL-160527-170714001Annette Hutchings, from Corby, who died six weeks ago. NNL-160527-170714001
Annette Hutchings, from Corby, who died six weeks ago. NNL-160527-170714001

Keith Hutchings, who lives in Little Stanion, was devastated when his mum Annette died after suffering from a brain tumour.

He was then told he would shortly have to leave the local authority home the pair had shared for three years.

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The 25-year-old spoke to government funders who said he would be eligible for financial help with his mum’s funeral so he engaged the services of an undertaker. But when they discovered that he had a job, the government representatives said that he could not have the grant.

Keith Hutchings and his mum Annette, just before she died. NNL-160527-170832001Keith Hutchings and his mum Annette, just before she died. NNL-160527-170832001
Keith Hutchings and his mum Annette, just before she died. NNL-160527-170832001

So now Annette’s body has been with the undertaker for six weeks and Keith has no way of scraping together the money for her funeral.

He is now appealing for anyone who can point him in the direction of a charity that may be able to help him to get in touch.

Keith, who works for Staples, said: “Mum was on DLA and incapacity benefit for 12 years so she has no money at all in her estate to pay for a funeral.

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“I have an IVA for some debt so no chance of a loan so I don’t know what to do next.

Keith Hutchings, who can't afford his mother's funeral. NNL-160527-170939001Keith Hutchings, who can't afford his mother's funeral. NNL-160527-170939001
Keith Hutchings, who can't afford his mother's funeral. NNL-160527-170939001

“I have no idea what the funeral parlour will do if I can’t pay. The Hope Church has offered to do the service for free but it’s the cremation that is the biggest expense.

“I think it’s about £1,850.”

Keith left school at 14 to care for his mum as she had multiple heart attacks and strokes, followed by the brain tumour that eventually took her life aged just 57.

He also now faces losing his home after he was ruled ineligible to keep on the tenancy that was in Annette’s name.

Keith Hutchings and his mum Annette, just before she died. NNL-160527-170832001Keith Hutchings and his mum Annette, just before she died. NNL-160527-170832001
Keith Hutchings and his mum Annette, just before she died. NNL-160527-170832001
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He said: “It’s pretty devastating. I’m trying my best to get through it but I feel I don’t really have any options left. I hope there is a charity out there that can help.”

Anyone who can help Keith should call him on 01536 209250 or email him at [email protected]

There is also a fundraising page to raise money for the funeral, which can be found here.

Related topics:Corby