A Runcorn woman who set up a charity in
memory of her son who committed suicide as a result of spiralling
debts has been shortlisted for an award.
Carol Highton has been shortlisted for Tenant
of the Year at the Tenant Participation Advisory Service Awards
after being nominated by her landlord Riverside, which has also
been shortlisted for an award for Excellence in Annual Reports.
Carol, 48, from Halton Brook set, up the Brian
Shields Trust following the death of her 22-year-old son, who hung
himself in the face of crippling loan shark debts in
2005. View an exclusive video of
Carol's story.
The promising footballer found himself deep in
debt after a loan of £300 was increased to £3,400 in 12 weeks, with
repayments spiralling almost as soon as the advance was agreed.
Carol believes Brian took his life when no longer able to cope with
intimidation from the loan shark.
Carol persevered to get justice for her son.
The loan shark responsible for his death has now been convicted of
illegal money lending and is serving an indefinite life
sentence.
Carol set up the Brian Shields Trust to raise
awareness and to provide vulnerable loan shark victims with
somewhere to turn.
Carol said: “I didn’t set up the charity
to win awards but of course it’s nice to be recognised. It is also
a great opportunity to promote the work I do and raise awareness of
the help that is available.”
Laura Bostock, Riverside’s Project manager of
Financial Inclusion, was the one who nominated Carol. She said:
“Carol showed bravery and perseverance in obtaining justice for her
son despite fear of retribution. She is compassionate, committed
and selfless, making herself available to victims 24/7. She
continues to persevere to help even more victims of loan sharks by
campaigning to change the law so loan sharks who drive victims to
suicide can be prosecuted.
“Carol’s work is invaluable and she is a true
inspiration. Through her efforts she has undoubtedly made a
positive impact on countless people’s lives.”
Visit The Brian Shields Trust web site at
http://www.tbs-trust.co.uk/ or
telephone the helpline on 03333 554 545.