Team GB athlete left without kitchen says housing disrepair is affecting health
A Team GB athlete says disrepair in his home has taken its toll on his mental and physical health.
Chris Telesford is a GB Taekwondo Para-Poomsae athlete, under the visual impaired category and ranks first in the UK for the non-contact sport. He also finished third in the 2024 British National Championships and is the only registered blind Taekwondo athlete to fight against those with no disabilities.
Mr Telesford, who is registered blind, has lived without a kitchen in his Downham flat for almost a year, forcing him to live off takeaways and microwavable meals.
He said: “It’s not good for my health. I need to be in tip top shape right now.
“It has already affected my performance.”
Mr Telesford lives in a private property in Downham, which neighbours a flat managed by Phoenix housing.
When he moved in 10 months ago, a burst water pipe in the neighbouring property had spread damage and damp through his wall.
He said: “When I moved in, my landlord said Phoenix was sorting the issue out. But they seem useless.
“The broken water pipe made my wall crumble, so the kitchen had to come out completely and there is mold and damp seeping through.
“We need the integrity of the wall to be able to put a new kitchen in. All my appliances are stored in the living room.”
Phoenix previously fixed the damaged water pipe and their own property, but did not repair Mr Telesford’s wall.
Instead, they told Mr Telesford to claim the issue on insurance.
But, Mr Telesford said: “Why should my premiums go up for something I didn’t do?”
“Pheonix sent two plumbers to come and look at the wall, they both say it’s Phoenix’s responsibility.”
Despite repeated calls and emails, Mr Telesford said he has got nowhere.
He said: “The plumbers took pictures of the damage, but every time I call Phoenix they say they don’t have any information on my case.
“I may be an athlete but I’m still a vulnerable adult who is registered blind – Phoenix has been no help.”
Mr Telesford said the situation has affected his physical health, and performance.
He said: “I’m hoping to go to the Paralympics in 2026 but right now I can’t eat healthily and I don’t have enough space to stretch or exercise.
“The wall flakes – and there’s lots of dust. If I’m in there for a long period it makes me cough.”
The athlete said the issue has also taken a toll on his mental health.
He said: “It’s been really tough.
“I can’t invite my friends over, because I can’t offer them anything to eat. I can’t store food, I have no cupboards, there’s just a sink.
“It feels like me trying to fight Bruce Lee, there’s no way I can win.”
A spokeswoman from Phoenix Community Housing said: “We apologise for the disruption caused to Mr Telesford and the issues caused to the home where he is residing.
“We strongly encourage Mr Telesford’s landlord to get in touch with us to begin the process of liaising with his building insurance providers.”
Pictured top: Chris Telesford is a GB Taekwondo Para-Poomsae athlete (Picture: Chris Telesford)