Kate Winslet has given £17,000 to a mother struggling to pay her daughter’s life support expenses.
Clackmannanshire Council informed Carolynne Hunter that her bill might be large next year.
Freya, her 12-year-old daughter, has severe cerebral palsy and requires oxygen for persistent respiratory issues.
When the Titanic actress intervened after hearing their plight on the news, Hunter claimed she was overwhelmed.
Winslet contributed £17,000 to the family’s GoFundMe page and called Hunter to express her condolences.
Hunter, 49, said: “Our journey as family has been very traumatic and I just feel done at this point in my life.
“When I heard about the money I just burst into tears – I thought it wasn’t even real. I’m still thinking is this real?”
The Hunters reside in Tillicoultry in a huge council house that is not energy efficient, so there is no room for Freya’s equipment.
It now costs them £6,500 per year to run the equipment and heat the house. However, Hunter stated that she had turned off the heating in most rooms to save money.
Despite working full-time at reasonable pay, she does not receive the same assistance as individuals with low earnings.
Hunter is also concerned that anticipated winter power outages due to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine might jeopardize Freya’s care.
In addition to having cerebral palsy, Freya requires oxygen for respiratory issues, particularly at night.
At least two NHS nurses or professionals from self-directed support (SDS), a type of social care, are needed to assist the family.
Freya’s heart rate and oxygen levels are monitored, and she is suctioned frequently to keep her airways free.
Freya’s room had been the only one heated in recent months to keep her and her crew comfortable, but Hunter stated they had to cut back.
“We’re still freezing and not even at minus temperatures yet,” said Hunter. “I am nipping at the staff not to put the heating on unless it’s necessary.
“The council have put solar panels up to help with blackouts but don’t think it’ll help with the bill.”
Before Winslet’s gift, Hunter expressed concern about falling into fuel poverty amid the UK’s economic upheaval.
Although the money might help them, the underlying cost of the living problem remains a concern.
Last month, Cornwall Insight predicted that the energy price cap would climb by 73% for ordinary users, albeit this projection might be greatly influenced by shifting wholesale costs.
Hunter said she would want to see the Scottish and UK governments join in to help struggling families with care duties.
She added: “I didn’t speak out to get donations, but at the same time, I have to make sure that Freya is OK.
“I’m going to be helped, but what about everyone else? I wanted the government to pay for it and do the right thing – it shouldn’t have to be a celebrity that steps in.”