An 82-year-old MBE who lives in Kilgetty, that has dedicated her later years to raising money for Cancer charities, has spoken of her risk at becoming homeless.

Maureen Lower MBE has lived in a flat in Kilgetty for the last ten years that she has been renting from a friend. Unfortunately, her friend died in March 2024.

After probate was sorted, the family members who inherited the property decided to sell and gave Maureen notice to leave and then an eviction notice in January 2025.

Maureen registered immediately for social housing as an 82-year-old disabled person. She has been told she is ‘gold plus’ but to no avail so far.

She has been looking for accommodation privately but can find nothing that is accessible and will take her small therapy dog.

Maureen had to be out by June 30 - but there has still been no possibility of finding any housing.

She has put some of her belongings in storage so as to be ready to move at short notice. As she has no access to a computer, she is relying on the housing department to bid on her behalf.

Maureen was awarded her MBE for running a senior citizen’s group for 27 years in Germany, bringing 30 or 40 of them to Great Britain every year from Scotland to Cornwall, from Ireland to Jersey. This was voluntary as at the time she worked for the German Parliament.

When she brought a group to Tenby 15 years ago, she vowed to come and live here when she retired and has never regretted that decision – she came ten years ago when her sisters both had cancer.

She has made Christmas cakes every year to sell for charity for the last 33 years, which for the last 9 years has been Cancer Research.

Maureen has also volunteered at the Tenby Cancer Research charity shop situated in Tudor Square for the last 10 years. This is as well as being an active member and treasurer of Tenby Friendship Club, being the treasurer on the fundraising committee for Tenovus and being on the committee of the local Macular Society.

At the moment, Maureen says that she is struggling to sleep and to continue her volunteer work while she is in such a precarious situation.

She has now been informed that her court date is August 27 - and she is hoping to find accommodation before that.