Bedridden man seeks assistance

The frail figure of Noel Thompson lies on a bed with clothing, furniture and utensils strewn about, all competing for space in the cramped surroundings.

An overwhelming stench of stale urine also permeates the room, adding to the grim reality that Thompson, a destitute resident of Keith Hall district, St Catherine, lives in daily. Thompson occupies a one-room board-and-zinc structure, which is in dire need of repair or rebuilding.

"Lawd jeezas, every day di roof leak like sieve anytime di rain fall," said the bedridden Thompson. "Di sad ting is dat mi can't move, so di situation is really dreadful."

The former labourer said that in 2018, he hurt himself after he fell from the back of a pick-up after he had begged the driver for a ride.

He said that because of that he did not seek to pursue any insurance benefits. He said that he was not worried as he didn't initially feel much pain. Thompson said that he continued working until he started to suffer from pain to his lower limbs and back.

IT GOT WORSE

"It was in January 2020 that it started to get worse until mi couldn't walk. Is the goodwill of people dat kept me alive," Thompson said. He said that he was told by his doctor that he had suffered injuries to the spine, which eventually resulted in him being unable to move independently.

To compound his problem, he said that his two adult children can't do much as his daughter resides in St Thomas with her five children. His son, a mechanic, helps out sometimes but things have reached crisis proportions.

"I really need some help badly," said Thompson. "Right now, I need help to get a house, but mi also need clothes, food and care fi mi health, as I can't move. Right now, is people have to help me to bathe and do everything. It is rough."

The 55-year-old revealed that he was born in Tivoli Gardens in Kingston and he moved to his current location 48 years ago.

"I ran away with my father after my mother died. We lived in Ewarton and afterwards I moved to this area," Thompson said. He said he had leased a place at $6,000 per year, but things changed and he even owes three months' rent.

Thompson, who worked as a janitor at a business place in Bog Walk, said that he had received some assistance, but now needs more.

"I really need some urgent assistance, as not even Pampers a can buy," he said.

Persons wishing to assist Noel Thompson may call 876 336 5902.