Heywood’s first Homesharer, Doreen Fairclough 79, has gone from ‘Desperate Housewife’ to Dom Little’s ‘Dolly Bird’

Doreen Fairclough and Anouck Truffaux

Heywood’s first Homesharer, Doreen Fairclough 79, has gone from ‘Desperate Housewife’ to Dom Little’s ‘Dolly Bird’ after she appeared on BBC’s Right on the Money programme on Wednesday (19 July).

A packed house gathered around the big screen at PossAbilities Cherwell Wellbeing Hub for a special breakfast to watch Doreen’s big moment in style; joining Doreen were Mayor and Mayoress Ian and Christine Duckworth, Councillor Janet Emsley and Councillor Wendy Cox.

Having just returned from the World Homeshare Congress in Madrid, her first ever trip abroad, Doreen has learned to take being a minor celebrity in her stride.

After a broken shoulder, Doreen had to spend nine months in a care home, because she couldn’t live at home on her own. She said “I just wanted to go home. It was full of old people who just slept all day. I had no one to talk to.” 

PossAbilities Homeshare matched Doreen with Anouck Truffaux, a French girl who wanted to improve her English. A friendship blossomed and Anouck took over the kitchen.

Doreen said: “I used to eat just tinned food. “Then Anouck came and started making stuff. I had avocado for the first time. I liked that.”

Homeshare matches people with a spare room and need a bit of social support with people who need somewhere to live and want to pay less than normal rentals. Anyone can do it by calling Ruth Bamber on 01706 626747 or email ruth.bamber@possabilities.org.uk

Doreen’s episode of Right on the Money can be watched on BBC iPlayer:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b08yrg87/right-on-the-money-series-3-episode-8