A FUNDRAISER has been started for a man who parked a 'tank' outside Wickes in the hopes of getting his kitchen fixed.

As previously reported, Paul Gibbons parked a 1963 Abbot self-propelled gun outside the retailer's store in Basingstoke, in protest against the company which installed his kitchen in February 2023.

The 63-year-old removed the vehicle from the shop on February 6 after a notice was put on the vehicle warning that it would be removed 'within 14 days', however, he had not received a refund for his kitchen. 

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Basingstoke Gazette: Paul Gibbons outside the store with the 'tank'

Now, a GoFundMe has been started for Paul as he faces losing his home due to being left in financial trouble due to the issues with his kitchen.

Paul explained that he should've been retired from June 2023, but has instead lost all the rent he should've had and is 'broken' by the situation.

He added: "I've lost everything, the whole of my 50-year plus years working is tied in my property, and I am losing it, I have no idea whether I will have anything at the end of it."

The fundraiser was started by Michelle Denham, who met Paul on a Facebook group titled 'Wickes Kitchens/Bathrooms Horror' after experiencing her own issues with a kitchen fitted by the company.

Michelle, from Gateshead in Newcastle upon Tyne, said she was inspired to help him as she thought it was 'brilliant that someone was standing up to the big guys' but found out 'how horrible' Paul's situation was after speaking to him online.

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She continued: "I'm just trying to help him if I can, it's heartbreaking. I've spoken to Paul on the phone and he's gone from a strong man with the Abbott to someone with nowhere left to turn.

"It's all going to Paul, I'm just trying to help him save the roof over his head. I live in the North East of England, this isn't just an issue in Basingstoke."

Paul told the Gazette that he felt 'totally humbled' after Michelle contacted him to start the GoFundMe. He said: "I like giving to charity but I am not one to accept it.

"When Michelle told me about the GoFundMe page, I thought it was lovely and absolutely brilliant. People [who have donated] don't know me but have similar situations and understand. It gives me a bit of hope in mankind."

The fundraiser, which has a target of £30,000, will help Paul 'feed himself' as he had to rely on food purchased by friends, as well as supporting him to keep his house, according to Michelle.

For more information, or to donate, visit gofund.me/d1429efe.