A father left disabled by a rare brain disorder is facing eviction from emergency accommodation in Sutton, along with his wife and stepdaughter.

Will Paterson, 34, needs constant care after developing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a degenerative condition linked to vitamin deficiency.

The wheelchair user was forced to stay an extra month at St Helier Hospital because his previous property could not be specially-adapted.

Sutton Council eventually provided emergency housing but has now decided the family are capable of finding private accommodation.

Mr Paterson, a Dagenham Motors workshop controller before the illness, said: “I was discharged from hospital after three months, having come close to dying from the disorder, which has left me disabled, in a wheelchair and in need of care for the rest of my life.

“I was unable to return to my address, as it was deemed unsafe due to my condition. The council housed us in emergency accommodation in Sutton but has now issued us with an eviction order.

“My wife’s daughter is aged 11 and due to start high school after the holidays. I don’t care about myself – I get fed so I’m fine, but I just want my family to have a roof over their heads now that I can’t provide for them.”

Sutton Council said the Patersons had made themselves homeless by falling into rent arrears in Hillingdon two years ago.

Councillor Colin Stears, executive member for housing, said: “Mr Paterson does have some mobility problems, but he can live in suitable private sector accommodation.

“He and his wife left Hillingdon to live with Mrs Paterson’s family in this borough, a property they can no longer occupy.

“They subsequently made an application as homeless.

“We do have a legal duty to help homeless people. However, when someone has made themselves homeless, the council’s duty is just to provide advice and assistance.

“If Mr Paterson wants us to review our decision, we will do so.”

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