Tragic Roy learns to live again

Regenda tenancy advice officer Sarah Scott made a big difference to the life of Roy Hetherington

A PENSIONER whose life was torn apart by the gruesome murder of his son, is looking forward to Christmas and New Year for the first time in over a decade.

This time of year brings back painful memories for Roy Hetherington whose son Ryan (25) was stabbed to death in early January, 2001.

The dismembered body was found by police in the boot of a car that had crashed on the M62 near Warrington.

Julie Barker (47) and her husband James Crawford (52) were jailed for life that December after being convicted of murder.

After the tragedy, Roy’s life spiralled out of control. He began drinking heavily and became a virtual recluse. He began hoarding items in his Regenda Group home in Glodwick - which became a grim place to live.

Things reached crisis point when Roy became suicidal - and turned to his landlords.

“A family death is one thing but the murder of your own son like that is impossible to deal with. Looking back that’s when things started to go wrong for me,” Roy said..

“Justice has been done of sorts, his killers are in jail and I’ll never forget Ryan. But for the first time in a long while I’m now looking forward to Christmas and the New Year.”

“My only regret is that I didn’t ask for help sooner.”

After making the fateful call, tenancy advice officer Sarah Scott has helped Roy to turn his life round.

“It got to the point where I just didn’t care anymore,” said Roy (66). “I’d let myself and my house go to pieces and nobody knew.

“Rubbish was piling up everywhere. I knew I needed help but I was too proud to ask.”

After paying for his home to be cleaned, Regenda transferred to a smaller flat in Abbeyhills, then helped him to get new carpets, furniture, a cooker, a fridge and a washing machine.

“Sarah has made my life,” said an overjoyed Roy. “That lady said she would help me and she has.

“I now have a tidy new home which has everything I need. It’s like having a whole new start.”

Modest Sarah said getting Roy back on his feet was a team effort: “He’s a really lovely man and it’s great to see him happy and smiling,” she said.