Pensioner's Life Savings Lost to Cowboy Builder on This Morning
A guest on ITV's This Morning broke down in tears as she revealed how a cowboy builder took her life savings of £14,000 and left her home in ruins. Yvonne Elliott, 70, from Leeds, West Yorkshire, was comforted by presenter Dermot O'Leary during the emotional interview.
Decade of Savings Wiped Out
Yvonne had saved for over ten years to build a 3m x 6m extension to her living room. She was approached by a builder working in her neighbour's garden last June, who initially offered to do the work. Though she declined at first, he returned days later with a contract promising completion in three weeks for £15,000 with a pensioner's discount.
The builder convinced Yvonne to pay £9,000 upfront for materials, showing her what she believed was an invoice but was actually a quotation. Over two months, he took her entire £14,000 savings while only laying two rows of breeze blocks for the foundation before disappearing.
Emotional Breakdown on Live Television
Breaking down on the This Morning sofa, Yvonne explained: "I'd say it took about ten years to save the money, but when Covid came, it was easier to save." Dermot O'Leary handed her tissues, saying: "Yvonne, it's all good, you can share as much or as little as you want."
She described how the builder kept asking for more money, including £880 for additional breeze blocks when the work was incomplete. "It is unbelievable now I'm reflecting back, but I wanted the work doing," she said through tears.
Community Support and Warning
Local builder Graham Nash, who advocates against cowboy builders, stepped in to help. He explained: "Never pay a builder upfront in any way, shape or form. A lot of builders take a large proportion at the start, then there's not enough money to finish."
Despite reporting to police and Trading Standards, Yvonne was told it was a civil matter. Graham started a GoFundMe page, personally donating £1,500, to raise funds for materials to complete the extension.
Surprise Donation Brings Hope
Dermot and co-host Alison Hammond surprised Yvonne and Graham with £7,500 worth of materials from builders' merchant Travis Perkins. Yvonne sobbed: "I want to say thank you - I didn't expect this outcome. I wanted to help at least one person not to feel how I'm feeling."
She urged viewers: "Listen to Graham, please. This man has helped me with phone calls saying 'Don't give up.' He's donating and I appreciate everyone who has helped me."
Previous Emotional Segment
The segment followed another emotional moment on the show where Dermot fought back tears watching eight-year-old Rowan Stapleton from Salford, who uses his pocket money to perform random acts of kindness for strangers. Rowan's GoFundMe page raised £4,000 during his appearance.
This Morning continues to highlight both heartbreaking stories and heartwarming community responses, airing weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX.
