Council tenant's downhill condition
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| Cathy Barnwell suffers from a rare condition which causes her to lose balance if walking downhill |
Croydon woman Cathy Barnwell is asking the council to be rehoused - because she needs to live in a flatter area.
Ms Barnwell suffers from a rare incurable condition - cerebellar ataxia - which means she loses her balance if walking downhill.
"I have fallen down about 100 times in four years. I just go over, I don't get any warning. It's very aggresive and I'm getting even more unsteady on my feet," she said.
The council has offered her an alternative flat in South Norwood but Ms Barwell said it was not appropriate.
| "I just go over, I don't get any warning. It's very aggresive and I'm getting even more unsteady on my feet." | | Cathy Barwell |
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"I lived in South Norwood before and I hated it - I was followed, I was propositioned.
"I don't know anyone there either and I need the help and support I get from my friends in this area," she said.
She added that using a wheelchair was not appropriate because she needed to keep moving else her condition would get worse.
Croydon Council is reported to have said it was hard to rehouse Ms Barnwell in one of the areas she wants to live in.
10:34am Saturday 22nd March 2008
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