A MAN whose health left him isolated is a charity’s 100th grant beneficiary in Colchester.

Kerwin Probyn was awarded cash from Acts435, an online giving charity set up by the Archbishop of York, to help lift the burden for people living in poverty across the UK.

After his flat was burgled during a stay in hospital, his feelings of loneliness worsened.

Mr Probyn’s health deteriorated and he has since developed a lung condition, which means he stays home alone for days on end.

But a new TV from Acts435 has given him some company again.

Patsi Morgans, Colchester advocate for Christians Against Poverty (CAP), which supports Mr Probyn, said: “Although TVs aren’t always considered a high priority need in terms of charity aid, for people on their own, they can make a world of difference.

“Kerwin was so surprised when he heard we were going to help him and very grateful to the donors. He said: ‘I didn’t realise how generous people can be.’

“When he first came to CAP, he had drug and alcohol addiction and debt problems. He’s managed to beat both in this time and is in a much more stable position.”

Another grant went to a Colchester family so they could buy two bunk beds for their children, who were sharing a single bed.

Other families have received grants for school uniform, allowing them to return or start school.

Since Acts435 began working with CAP in 2014, residents in need have benefited from more than £9,000.

Jenny Herrera, executive director at Acts 435, said: “The grants awarded are made up of lots of individual donations. We don’t get trust funds or corporate sponsorship.

“This is person-to-person giving where every donation matters. Whether £5 or £50, this is making a big difference in people’s lives.”

Acts 435 is connecting with new churches every week, it needs new donors to join in supporting the most vulnerable in our society.

Visit acts435.org.uk for more.