This Morning presenter Alison Hammond was visibly moved to tears during a powerful segment for the homeless charity Shelter, where she met a single mother who has been homeless for her six-year-old son's entire life.
A Life in Limbo: Damp, Mice, and Uncertainty
The 50-year-old TV personality sat down with Alicia, 39, and her son Aeon, who have been living in temporary accommodation in London. Alicia described the 'awful' conditions they have endured for years, which include pervasive damp, infestations of bed bugs and mice, and the constant uncertainty of not knowing when or where they would be moved next.
Alison's composure broke as Alicia detailed her Christmas to-do list, a stark contrast to typical festive preparations. Her priorities included buying new mouse traps, chasing up essential repairs, and tackling mould in their current living space.
A Mother's Connection and a National Scandal
'I couldn't believe what Alicia was telling me, it really got me,' Alison confessed. 'She's a single mum, just like I am, and I felt such a connection with her and the love she has for her son. No one should have to live the way Alicia and Aeon are living.'
The presenter highlighted the hidden labour of survival that Alicia faces daily. 'Alicia still does everything she can to make Christmas special for Aeon, but behind the scenes it's like a full-time job,' she said, listing the relentless tasks of dealing with repairs, damp, and legal paperwork.
The poor living conditions have taken a severe toll on their health. Both Alicia and Aeon have been struggling with their breathing, with the young boy having been hospitalised due to the issue. 'Can you imagine? This is what she's facing at Christmas,' Alison added emotionally.
A Cry for Help and a Path to Support
Alicia shared that when she first became homeless, she 'went straight into survival mode.' The experience left her feeling isolated and took a significant toll on her mental health. 'I felt really alone and didn't want to be a burden to anyone... I felt so isolated, like it was just me and my son against the world,' she revealed.
Her plea was one of exhaustion and feeling forgotten by the system. 'I feel like I'm getting bounced around, and you start to feel forgotten,' Alicia told Alison.
This poignant story emerges as new figures reveal a shocking 172,420 children in England are currently homeless - the highest number on record. After reaching out to Shelter, Alicia received crucial support to understand her legal rights and was guided towards securing safer temporary accommodation.
Alison Hammond, who has teamed up with Shelter, urged the public to help, stating, 'Meeting Alicia and hearing her story really moved me. I just want to help and be part of the change we so clearly need.'
