A 71-year-old sepsis survivor is on the brink of losing his home just weeks after making a desperate plea to lenders. Paul Robinson's life hangs in the balance as he faces repossession within two weeks, sparking fears for his life-threatening health. The West Sussex family's £1 million debt accumulated due to Mr Robinson's illness preventing him from managing his business, with their property serving as collateral.
Mr Robinson, who relies heavily on an oxygen mask, expressed devastating distress at the prospect of leaving his home of 15 years, stating he would feel 'broken' and that his life would be 'over'. His wife Carys acknowledged the debt but explained that their finances were diverted to cover extensive medical appointments in London, resulting in missed mortgage and council tax payments. Surgeons involved in Mr Robinson's care have warned that being forced to move could trigger a life-threatening decline in his health.
The family is pursuing a negligence claim against University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust concerning aspects of his care, with court proceedings issued in March 2024 and a hearing date provisionally set for June 2027. Lenders' lawyers have stated that a 'full judicial process' has been carried out regarding the debt, while the NHS Trust has expressed commitment to resolving the claim 'fairly and without unnecessary delay'.
The situation highlights the immense financial and personal toll that severe illness can inflict on UK households, particularly when business assets are tied to personal property. For families like the Robinsons, unexpected health crises can rapidly escalate into financial catastrophe, leaving them vulnerable to significant debt and repossession.
Worthing West MP Dr Beccy Cooper has intervened, urging NHS teams to 'resolve the long-running claim' and 'avoid prolonging the significant distress this process has already caused'. This intervention underscores the broader societal implications of such cases, where individuals facing critical health challenges also grapple with complex legal and financial battles.