Extreme hoarder nan’s three-bed home is packed with 100 dolls – but she can’t have her grandkids round because of the clutter
The hazardous home has become all too much for the couple
MORE than a million people in the UK have a hoarding disorder.
A new Channel 4 programme is helping extreme hoarders gain back control of their cluttered homes – and their lives.
Hoarding consultant Claire Dahill was on hand to help those battling the disorder.
She visited the home of Nottinghamshire gran Sue who lived with a collection of 100 dolls, seven dogs, four cats and her despairing husband Neil.
The 59-year-old is unable to have her grandchildren around to her hazardous house, where the toys fill two rooms of her three-bedroom house.
Following the death of her mother eight years ago, Sue’s hoarding habit spiralled out of control.
She turned to the help of expert Claire as well Dr Kerry Ashton-Shaw to help her cope with the disorder that’s wrecking her marriage.
Clinical psychologist, Dr Ashton-Shaw, explored the reason why Sue struggles to throw anything away.
After opening up about being placed into foster care, Sue admitted that her childhood has probably triggered the hoarding.
Dr Ashton-Saw explained: “The sense I’m getting is that growing up was really difficult and maybe you didn’t get everything you needed.
“In terms of objects and maybe also in terms of attention and support.”
Sue agreed: “After all these years I’m feeling like a vulnerable kid. I can’t cope with the house and I can’t cope with my relationship.
“It’s bringing it all back and there’s no one there to help me.”
After the therapy sessions, Sue began the painstaking task of clearing out her house.
Hoarding consultant Claire helped the gran sift through the clutter, which took FIVE MONTHS to remove.
Delighted Sue is no longer bickering with Neil and she is finally able to have her grandchildren over.
She said: “It’s much better now, it’s like I’ve got my man back.
“It’s getting clearer and clearer and so is my mind… I’m not in turmoil anymore”
But Sue isn’t the only person to tackle their hoarding disorder with the help of a TV show.
And On Benefits hoarder Terry angered viewers when he revealed the state of his home.
Britain’s Biggest Hoarders airs on Channel 4 on Monday at 8pm