SMA Family Faces Utility Debt

Rising electricity bills in the U.K. have caused one family to get into debt with their utility supplier as they’re caring for a child with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

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Maddison from Loughborough, England was diagnosed with SMA type 1 at 6 months old and her parents were told that it was unlikely she would live beyond her second birthday. According to a report in the Daily Mail, Maddison has defied medical opinion and has just celebrated her ninth birthday, although she is unable to breathe on her own and requires round the clock ventilation and other devices to keep her alive.

Parents Lidia and Jamie had to give up working to become full-time carers for Maddison, meaning money has been tight but they’ve been able to manage. However, a recent hike in electricity prices has pushed the family’s finances over the edge. Maddison’s vital life-saving equipment undoubtedly pushes up their energy consumption and the family now find themselves in debt with the electricity company.

The family are now in consultation with the electricity supplier and hope to come to an arrangement.

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