A Grimsby man tells us he's to decide between eating, heating and paying for his medication

We've been hearing how the cost-of-living crisis is having an impact on those across Lincolnshire and Newark with disabilities

A Grimsby man is faced with the decision of paying for his medication, eating or heating his home...
Author: Charlotte LinnecarPublished 23rd Nov 2022

A man from Grimsby tells us he's to decide between eating, heating and paying for his medication as the cost-of-living crisis continues to squeeze.

Martin Pridgeon was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis back in 2009 and since then he has had to change the way he lives day to day.

He says that some of these changes have included dealing with stress, having a nurse come by to help him and of course building independence back up.

Now, with the cost-of-living crisis impacting his way of living, he says it's been difficult to adapt:

"I'm having to pay for my medication, which I can't afford to keep paying for, and I'm faced with a choice where I either put food on the table or turn the heating on, and I just can't afford to do it all. I simply shouldn't be faced with that decision. It's just not sustainable."

Martin added that on top of these issues, many people with disabilities face added pressures, for instance, having to have the heating on to ensure they don't become more ill.

He says it's becoming more and more difficult for him to prioritise expenses:

"You know there's only so much money to go around, and with the bills getting so expensive, and the food in shops getting so expensive, I'm having to pick and choose. But it's like, if I need to go to a doctor's appointment, I can't walk there, I need to get a taxi. So, I'm really stuck with things."

Martin has started a petition to raise awareness and gain support for people with disabilities and the cost-of-living.