A Penparcau man with a rare condition that leaves him with severe mobility issues is desperate for new accommodation, after being forced to live in the downstairs of his home with no access to a toilet.

Pat Nickless currently washes in the kitchen and uses a commode in the under-stairs cupboard of his two-storey home in Penrheidol due to having the rare segregated schwannomatosis on his legs – meaning he can’t climb stairs and has severely limited mobility.

Mr Nickless and his wife Valerie are urging Wales and West Housing to move them into a bungalow to improve their quality of life, but a suitable property in Cae Job which became available was not given to them.

As a result of segregated schwannomatosis, multiple tumours develop on Mr Nickless’ legs and he has already undergone two surgeries.

Mrs Nickless said: “He can no longer use the stairs so he is designated the downstairs area.

“He is also unable to access the rear garden because of the steep steps.

“An initial occupational therapy report last year already stated that our current accommodation is not suitable, given the fact he cannot access proper washing facilities and use of a toilet. Living like this is affecting my husband’s mental health on a daily basis.”

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