‘Britain’s kindest plumber’ stunned as Hugh Grant donates £20,000
A kind-hearted plumber who helps out those in need was given a whopping £20,000 donation from actor Hugh Grant and his wife Anna.
James Anderson, 55, set up community interest company Depher, which stands for Disabled and Elderly, Plumbing and Heating Emergency Response, to help vulnerable people and fixes pipes and boilers free of charge as well as providing essentials such as food.
Anderson hit headlines after his good deeds were shared on social media and at some point caught the eye of Hollywood star Grant.
Back in 2022, the 63-year-old actor and his wife donated £10,000 to Depher and as the glamorous couple arrived in Manchester for the Chanel show yesterday (7 December) they doubled their previous donation - handing over £20,000.
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In a post on X, Anderson wrote: 'After speaking privately to @HackedOffHugh and Anna Grant. I have permission to share their wonderful #Christmas gift to @Depheruk.
“This wonderful and humbling donation of £20,000.00 will give hope to thousands of people, families and children, especially with the #CostOfLivingCrisis.
“They both have my lifetime of respect and love.”
As you can imagine, the news was warmly welcomed by supporters of Depher, with one person writing: “Two wonderful Human beings. Such a generous gift. This will go a long way to helping others.”
Another said: “An incredibly generous donation that will do so much good in your hands. The difference this will make to people's lives.”
While a third commented: “Absolutely wonderful people, including you James. Thank you for everything you do.”
Someone else said: “That’s very generous of them at this time! There’s so many people suffering right now. I admire what you do. Many thanks for making a difference. Take care of yourself too.”
Earlier this year, Anderson revealed that a mystery donor had helped save Depher.
He told the Burnley Express: “I had an email from a gentleman who I can’t name who has offered £5,000 a month to us for the food drive. It allows us to cover the deficit. A person from London who is more famous than Hugh Grant decided to step in as he loves what we do. His sister made him aware of us. He didn’t know anything about us. He had a look and fell in love with us and what we do.
"It’s unbelievable. He is someone who definitely understands us because he is from a humble background. He grew up in a similar situation and is someone who now has everything he needs for the rest of his life so he wants to give back.
"That £5,000 a month will help 2,000 families and we now won’t have to choose between helping with food or heating.”
Claire Reid