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Health fears over mouldy flat
Transplant patient Derren Osborn is fearing for his health because his flat is infested with mould.
Mr Osborn had a kidney and pancreas transplant two years ago and is worried the mould could attack his weakened immune system.
The 38 year old is now locked in dispute with Dacorum Borough Council over the safety of his home in Jupiter Drive, Highfield.
"I'm very susceptible to colds and flus and I'm breathing in mould and damp – I don't want to lose another kidney," he said.
"You can wash the mould off but two days later it's back."
To back his case Mr Osborn's GP has written to the council calling for him to be rehoused.
In the letter Dr Tup Dutta, of Lincoln House Surgery, says: "Derren has shown me photographs of significant mould infection of his walls and ceilings in the flat that he occupies and in view of his anti rejection immunisuppressant therapy and antibiotics I would strongly recommend rehousing as he is at risk of infection."
Mr Osborn, who was the manager of a bookmakers until four years ago when his health deteriorated, has been trying to get rehoused for 18 months.
He and his wife Jackie, his full-time carer, have also suffered vandalism to their car because of the poor parking near their home.
"Derren is not supposed to walk far," Mrs Osborn said.
"It's a real worry because he's on so many tablets.
"He was told before his operation that he would be lucky to live for six months.
"He got through the operation but he's had so many ups and downs with his health – I know what could happen."
The Osborns say the council put a fan into their home to dry it but the mould remains and is now embedded in the furniture.
In a statement the council it was reviewing the letter from Dr Dutta.
"Dacorum Borough Council received further information concerning this case which was forwarded immediately to our medical advisor together with all other relevant documents," the statement said.
"We are following all the proper procedures and it is receiving our prompt attention.
"We can't comment any further on the private circumstances of this individual housing case."
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Friday 25 May 2012
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Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
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Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
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