Former biochemist who refuses to use electricity because she is ‘allergic to the modern world’ was nearly killed when her shack burned down because of a CANDLE
Woman's ramshackle home in a field burnt down by candle she used to keep herself warm because she suffers from multiple chemical sensitivity
A FORMER biochemist who won’t use electricity because she is “allergic” to modernity is lucky to be alive after her home was burnt down – by a candle.
Gillian McCarthy, 62, has lived in a shack in a field for 20 years in a bid to live in a “chemically inert” environment free from toxins.
She lives without running water and electricity and fears reactions to carpets, soap and even tap water. She claims a sniff of aftershave could knock her unconscious.
Gillian says her life was saved by the call of nature after she popped to the loo when the flames took hold.
She is now living in a “den” in the woods built by sympathetic volunteers near Wincanton, Somerset – but has lost much of her property.
"I managed to get to the fire extinguisher but then there really was a big whoosh and I knew I couldn't handle it on my own."There was only one exit and I just had to chance it."My father was a fireman and without that knowledge I might not have made it out.
"I don't know how I'm going to manage.
"I've lost all my photos, old papers, my clock, my commode, everything. I need a wheelchair really and I've lost that too."
Gillian came into contact with hundreds of chemicals when she worked as a biochemist and agricultural merchant, and believes she was poisoned.
She was diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivity in 1983 and claims she had spent £280,000 on private treatment by 1996.
She says the condition leaves her allergic to substances found in modern objects, including furniture, carpets, chipboard, soap, food additives, washing powder and rubber.
Gillian spent years trying to battle the condition - which affects her vision and causes her pain – including an 18-month detox at an environmental illness unit.
Forced to sell her home in Wales, she move to the wooden huts in Stoney Stoke, Somerset – which were razed to the ground this month.
Speaking of her condition previously, Gillian said: "I start sounding as if I'm drunk and my legs swell up.
"If someone is wearing a lot of perfume, I can pick them up 100ft away. Aftershave can knock me unconscious."
Gillian is now living in a "den" without sanitation, a bed or a phone and claims she lost four days' worth of water supplies and £500 worth of medication in the blaze.
She has called on volunteers to help her salvage belongings, adding: "People have been so kind already and I've had new walking s
ticks fashioned for me."