Benefit cuts force me to eat unhealthy chocolate and crisps, says Sussex woman (From The Argus)
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Benefit cuts force me to eat unhealthy chocolate and crisps, says Sussex woman
7:00am Thursday 30th July 2009 in
A 22-stone woman who has lost a staggering 16-stone says a decision to stop her £340 disability allowance could see her pile the pounds back on.
Laura Ripley had more reasons than most to celebrate her 25th birthday this year as it was a milestone doctors told her she would never see.
The Take That fan had spent the whole of her life "eating herself to death" until four years ago her 30-stone mum died and she decided to diet.
And after dropping from 38-stone to 22-stone with the help of an NHS-funded gastric bypass she was well on her way to achieving her goal of slimming into a pair of size 12 jeans.
“I was almost sick when the letter arrived one morning telling me the Disability Living Allowance had been cut completely.
Laura Ripley
Until this month when benefit bosses decided to scrap her £340 disability allowance on the grounds she is no longer fat enough to claim.
Laura, 25, claims it is a decision that could see her pile weight back on because with hand-outs of £600 a month left, she says she can't afford to eat healthily.
Speaking from the two-bed flat she shares with her new boyfriend, unemployed chef Simon Hawkins, 28, Laura admits she has already gained a stone in weight since she lost the right to the extra money.
She said: "It's been a matter of weeks and I'm already nearly a stone heavier from all the junk I've had to eat.
"I can't afford WeightWatchers crisps and healthy cereal bars anymore so instead I have to go for cheap chocolate and packets of fatty Space Invaders.
"I've also had to cancel my gym membership and instead of healthy salads for my evening meal, we have cheaper dinners like toad in the hole.
"My daily calorie count has gone from 1,200 a day to 2,500. It's just not fair."
Laura, of St Leonards, is no stranger to junk food.
At 12 years old Laura was already weighing in at 15 stone after a childhood spent splashing out on cakes and sweets.
By the age of 20 she was morbidly obese at 38-stone.
Too heavy to ever have worked after leaving school, she became a recluse until her mum died suddenly on Christmas Eve 2005.
It was the kick start she was in desperate need of, and two days later made the call to her GP that changed her life.
Forced to lose weight in the lead up to the gastric bypass op, Laura managed to shed eight-and-a-half-stone in 18 months before going under the knife in June 2007.
She said: “I was almost sick when the letter arrived one morning telling me the Disability Living Allowance had been cut completely.
"That was the money I used to pay for the gym, pay for healthy food and have my hair highlighted.
"Without it I'm left with the £200 incapacity benefit and the £100 income support I receive every two weeks and out of that I have to give them back about £70 towards the cost of the £500-a-month flat I'm living in. It's ridiculous."
As well as Laura's handouts, her boyfriend Simon, an unemployed pub chef who moved in to her flat from his home in Manchester after meeting her online a year ago, also survives solely on government hand outs.
In fact it is their coupling that Laura claims is behind the decision to cut off the £4,080-a-year payments - a move she is about to launch her second appeal against.
Comments(267)
Tye
says...
7:06am Thu 30 Jul 09
END OF!
0-0-0
says...
7:08am Thu 30 Jul 09
stan bailey
says...
7:09am Thu 30 Jul 09
magoo
says...
7:10am Thu 30 Jul 09
Thermo
says...
7:11am Thu 30 Jul 09
why does the argus report such garbage
AmmeH
says...
7:24am Thu 30 Jul 09
TrollOP
says...
7:38am Thu 30 Jul 09
Security Word: wage-nose
Lil
says...
7:47am Thu 30 Jul 09
I work full time, and earn a decent enough wage and even I can't afford to buy fizzy drinks and snacks like that, just enough for 3 meals a day - breakfast (a la Sainsburys Basics Rice Krispies), lunch (sandwiches at work) and dinner. That's it.
If I'm feeling flush I may buy a couple of beers or a bottle of wine but that is IT.
I have only been made redundant once, 4 years ago, I was out of worth for 5 months. It was horrid and demeaning scrounging off the state. I managed to eat well, healthily for £16 or so a week.
So the fact is love, you just need to try a bit harder.
Why is everyone becoming a victim of what this cruel world has done to them rather than fighting and thrashing at it until they've made it good!
Jeeez....
Lawson-land
says...
7:51am Thu 30 Jul 09
magoo wrote:As opposed to most of the others on disability that can't work because of the damage they've done to themselves by smoking..? (We've paid for our illnesses through taxes they squeal). Make them all get a job - they could have sat on their backsides and manned the swine flu helplines...
Why the hell is she allowed to claim disability benefit for being FAT?? Being greedy and lazy isn't a disability!
Wiggsy
says...
7:54am Thu 30 Jul 09
balanced meals, get down to the greengrocers as its a place (in case you didn't know) where they sell fresh fruit.
Lil
says...
7:56am Thu 30 Jul 09
Sorry, I've just re-read this and it makes me angry.
Frankly, you shouldn't be eating that cr@p, weightwatchers or not. Buy some fruit. It's not crisps but it'll save piling on the pounds and then start looking for job and going for a long walk each day.
Sitting indoors all day worrying and winding yourself up will NEVER heighten your self esteem. There is NOTHING to accomplish being sat indoors day in day out watching telly.
I wish I had even £400 handed out to me on a plate each month. That's about 3.5 times more than my monthly shopping bill.
The excuses are flimsy as balsar wood.
Why do you need to go to the gym to be healthy, go for a long walk, there's plenty of flat promenade in Hastings, and then some hills to tackle too. It's beautiful out there. Go and see the world around you rather than spending it with the telly. Jeez three score and ten and what did you do "Oh I watched telly." What a waste.
And at the moment being handed out £740 for doing nothing (presumably there is also housing and council tax benefit which is not shown in this article since they're both out of work?) -- that's exactly what I earnt 3 years ago doing a crappy job to get out of unemployment, full time, 5 days a week.
Well, I'll just stuff my face then until I'm so f&cking helpless and miserable and get the state to free-wheel me along.
Between the waste in government, what we ship abroad and all these benefits -- no wonder there is supposedly no money in this country to do basic things like decent modern rail transport, decent roads, enough schools, modern hospitals...
GRRRRRRR.
adorable
says...
8:16am Thu 30 Jul 09
Do we pay for the Internet as well?
Karswell
says...
8:41am Thu 30 Jul 09
smalltowngirl
says...
8:41am Thu 30 Jul 09
Get of your lazy backside and run (you could even enter the half marathon).
It's no wonder your man is unemployed - all chefs could cook cheap, healthy meals if they needed to.
ShorehamBeachcomber
says...
8:55am Thu 30 Jul 09
security word take that benefit away
leedsnowfan
says...
8:58am Thu 30 Jul 09
jagiwatch
says...
8:59am Thu 30 Jul 09
Peteinblack
says...
9:12am Thu 30 Jul 09
People eat junk food because they're unbelievably thick, not because they are poor.
You can buy plenty of relatively cheap fruit, salads and veg for less than the price of expensive, pre-packaged, over-processed, junk food, and also a fillet of fish or lean meat.
Just get off your fat backside and waddle down to a greengrocers, butchers or fishmongers, or just your local supermarket. The exercise will do you good.
And if you're not working, the you've got all day to prepare a decent, tasty, cheap and nutricious meal.
You could also lose several stone at once by dumping our equally useless, lazy 'chef' boyfriend.
Why is it that one of the few things Britain still excels at is producing trash like this?
They have no brains, and no shame.
jo w
says...
9:13am Thu 30 Jul 09
Boris D
says...
9:18am Thu 30 Jul 09
Randy Lahey
says...
9:32am Thu 30 Jul 09
I don't know at what point she thought it was a good idea going to The Argus - just skim reading I have seen about 10 "fat cows" being mentioned.
The sad truth is there are other people like this (I know of many personally) who will stop at nothing to preserve their life of ease - even defrauding the taxpayer for a non-disability. She should be f*cking ashamed of herself.
mdrf
says...
9:37am Thu 30 Jul 09
I can only imagine the torment going through her mind as she walks ( or soon, thanks to the benefits system, waddles ) down the shops to discover that rather than purchase 99p pasta she is forced to purchase £1.99p chocolate.
For the more rational, I’m going to open a JustGiving donation site where you can contribute per month. Just £2 a month from each person who comments here will let this lady purchase healthy food, so go on, make the difference....
Lil
says...
9:37am Thu 30 Jul 09
Because she has never worked, she probably has no concept of the value of money. Therefore despite a gastric bypass costing thousands, she has never paid for it, so there's no value to it.
If she had to pay for the operation (as I believe she should, I know her mum died when she was young but so did my mum's mum to cancer) she would be much more likely to sort herself out.
As it is, never having done a day's paid work, and having handouts, you'll never know the value of ANYTHING.
Do a day's work, a week's work, a year's work and she'd soon realise what you can live on if you don't stuff your face senseless.
Randy Lahey
says...
9:43am Thu 30 Jul 09
Peteinblack wrote:That is absolutely 100% the right attitude, and I could not agree more.
For Goodness sake ! People eat junk food because they're unbelievably thick, not because they are poor. You can buy plenty of relatively cheap fruit, salads and veg for less than the price of expensive, pre-packaged, over-processed, junk food, and also a fillet of fish or lean meat. Just get off your fat backside and waddle down to a greengrocers, butchers or fishmongers, or just your local supermarket. The exercise will do you good. And if you're not working, the you've got all day to prepare a decent, tasty, cheap and nutricious meal. You could also lose several stone at once by dumping our equally useless, lazy 'chef' boyfriend. Why is it that one of the few things Britain still excels at is producing trash like this? They have no brains, and no shame.
Why aren't you running the 'soash - the government needs to learn to say no to this morons like this.
Vegan Gothic Princess
says...
9:46am Thu 30 Jul 09
Those kettle chips she is holding and that huge bar of cadbury's are not cheap!
I have two words of advice for our junk food loving lady - "go vegan!" ;0)
clarkebrighton
says...
9:51am Thu 30 Jul 09
If NOT then this type
of Lazy Slob gives the Real Sick and Needy a Bad Name.
Let her Starve !!
Old Ladys Gin
says...
9:51am Thu 30 Jul 09
For Every Sprinkle I Find
says...
9:55am Thu 30 Jul 09
Oh my god, seriously, what the hell?
I did a weekly shop, at ASDA, for £25 the other day. There was NO COKE, NO CHOCOLATE and NO CRISPS. Just healthy pasta, pasta sauce, chicken, mince... everything to make a meal. Sure, most of it was SmartPrice, but times are hard! SUCK IT UP, WOMAN.
Conor
says...
9:55am Thu 30 Jul 09
Not even as a Sumo wrestler?
No such thing as junk food. It's over-eating that's the problem.
For Every Sprinkle I Find
says...
9:56am Thu 30 Jul 09
NIck99
says...
10:02am Thu 30 Jul 09
Big Fat Slob. Get a job & a life & perhaps a little bit of will power.
kerryfee
says...
10:05am Thu 30 Jul 09
WHAT THE F*** ! have her hair highlighted, many of us have been reduced to colouring our own hair, look out for offers in Boots and you can do it for £3, or is she to fat to get her arms above her head ? The layabout chef could do it for her.
This is one very very silly girl going to the media with this story, if I were her I would put in for a council transfer because she won't be able to walk down the street without abuse, not that she could be bothered to.
miss_lad_pink
says...
10:10am Thu 30 Jul 09
Bored of Ignorance
says...
10:12am Thu 30 Jul 09
Take all of her f***ing benefits away...why is she not working, what is it that stops her getting a job and why is there nothing in place to control how long she is entitled to benefits. We have bread a nation of these bastards simply because it is easy to do, the government needs to make it difficult for people to stay on benefits and limit the time they are able to claim. I am sick to death of paying for lazy a** holes to live and financially bring up children’s babies!!!
Charismatic Andrew
says...
10:13am Thu 30 Jul 09
For Every Sprinkle I Find wrote:I can't agree. That money she's spent on having her highlighted (from her Disability Living Allowance) is money well spent and takes years off her.
Also, she's 25?! F*** OFF! She looks about 40!
She's quite a fox now.
longman
says...
10:16am Thu 30 Jul 09
IKDRF
says...
10:23am Thu 30 Jul 09
puddingandpi
says...
10:24am Thu 30 Jul 09
We never eat so healthily as when we're skint.
You don't need Weight Watchers crisps, go to the market & buy a load of varied vegetables & make curries, soups, stews, roasted veggies, stir-fries...
I paid £4 at Asda for a sack of spuds & had baked potato & beans, gratin with onions & fat free concentrated soup as sauce, wedges - all sorts!
browneyedgirl
says...
10:25am Thu 30 Jul 09
Cherry Pie
says...
10:31am Thu 30 Jul 09
How DARE she!! The f*cking cheeky cow!
How about you get off your lazy **** and GET A JOB? Then you can buy as much unhealthy food as you want.
Healthy food is cheaper anyway, you can make a lovely meal for next to nothing if you wise up.
What she means is she WANTS to eat fat so she gets fat again and never has to lift a finger.
I'm sure she must have thought she would get sympathy for this, how wrong could she be?
F*ck you lady - get off your arse and get a job like the rest of us. People like you make me sick!!!
NIck99
says...
10:38am Thu 30 Jul 09
I'm fuming.
Osama bin there
says...
10:43am Thu 30 Jul 09
What a total idiot.
Interestingly enough, normally when people have their benefits cut, they eat less, and eat MORE healthily!!
Not this woman though.
It's a power thing. The only thing she has power over is her weight.So she's saying - if you take my benefits away, I'm going to deliberately get fat until I'm fat enough to receive benefits again.
The other question is - why isn't her chef partner working? Probably because with all that benefit money he didn't have to.
There are plenty of chef's jobs out there. She needs to learn that it doesn't matter how fat she gets, she isn't getting anymore public money.
In our household our weekly shop costs £100 and we feed and keep FIVE ADULTS on that. And I would say we eat well and healthily. But then we make every meal from scratch, and don't by any ready made rubbish at all.
You'r boyfriend's a chef for goodness sake! Can't he cook??
Synical Sid
says...
10:49am Thu 30 Jul 09
longman
says...
10:52am Thu 30 Jul 09
BBBrighton
says...
10:52am Thu 30 Jul 09
its just an excuse. She can hock her story to all those rubbishy "chat" - "take a break" style magazines, the daily mail types will look on, and scorn and life will continue. Meanwhile she will go on to waste UK resources on her sad little life.
The truly upsetting part of this tawdry tale is that she is not alone. There are many many more just like her, accross the country.
(ps security word is - HUGE -SIZE)
s'no jokes!
Osama bin there
says...
10:57am Thu 30 Jul 09
At 22 stone? Erm, I don't think she's anywhere close...
kerryfee
says...
10:58am Thu 30 Jul 09
Charismatic Andrew wrote:Ha ha ha good one !
For Every Sprinkle I Find wrote: Also, she's 25?! F*** OFF! She looks about 40!I can't agree. That money she's spent on having her highlighted (from her Disability Living Allowance) is money well spent and takes years off her. She's quite a fox now.
BBBrighton
says...
11:00am Thu 30 Jul 09
miss_lad_pink
says...
11:01am Thu 30 Jul 09
chusan
says...
11:04am Thu 30 Jul 09
GET OFF YOUR BACKSIDE!!
Cherry Pie
says...
11:19am Thu 30 Jul 09
BBBrighton wrote:I really have no problem if the lazy fecker wants to eat herself into an early grave. That's her choice.
i guess we should leave her too it. If people want to cause harm to themselves then so be it. - If she dies of obesity at least we aint paying for her toad in 'ole no more innit.
What I resent is funding said lazy fecker in doing so!
I bet there's thousands of people like her across the country - too lazy to work so we just fund them.
Time for it to stop!
brightonneil
says...
11:19am Thu 30 Jul 09
Dufus
says...
11:25am Thu 30 Jul 09
I thought the whole point of a gastric band is to prevent someone from being physically able to eat lots??
Anyway, I agree with all the other posters here...an unbelievable story... reminds me of the Simpsons when Homper realised if he put on weight he would not have to work and get benefits instead...very funny that one.
bertnz
says...
11:51am Thu 30 Jul 09
Coke Chocolate crisps $10.00
Gym Membership $150.00
Being fat and lazy $340 pr month
Getting off yr fat a*se,walking,drinkin
g water, going scrumping for fruit... Priceless lard a*se.....
Greyrun
says...
12:08pm Thu 30 Jul 09
nanas,new potatoesand tomatoes all 49p if this women thinks eating healthily is more expensive than crisps and chocolate then she is not only fat but stupid as well.
Greyrun
says...
12:11pm Thu 30 Jul 09
WillH
says...
12:11pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Immortal
says...
12:18pm Thu 30 Jul 09
As far as I'm concerned, all comments up to this one hit the nail on the head.
If her chef boyfriend allows this, then it's no wonder he's unemployed. It begs the question "How much does he care for her". This "chef" is letting the woman he's supposed to care about kill herself slowly. Shame on them both!
VoiceofUnreason
says...
12:28pm Thu 30 Jul 09
GreggWallace
says...
12:30pm Thu 30 Jul 09
I realised soon enough.
Cooking doesn't get tougher than this.
CharlotteP
says...
12:31pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Ming
says...
12:40pm Thu 30 Jul 09
£100 says she will soon be having kids, at our expense, and will fund her lazy **** lifestyle that way instead. This country makes it too easy for people like this, that know full well that there is always some way of getting their life paid for by someone else.
oneharry
says...
12:43pm Thu 30 Jul 09
hovereal
says...
12:43pm Thu 30 Jul 09
planetpmc
says...
12:45pm Thu 30 Jul 09
LucyCole
says...
12:53pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Can't afford weight watchers? Well how about ditching the crisps and eating carrot sticks or apples?
Nothing here but a lazy woman looking for a state funded lazy lifestyle.
Turn off the TV and go for a walk.
busz
says...
12:55pm Thu 30 Jul 09
cozza
says...
1:02pm Thu 30 Jul 09
I wisg i was on that much i am getting £128 a fortnight ESA but i manage to live heatherly i cannot afford choclate or crips its lazy fat cows like her that make it bad for genuine ppl who are sick i had to fight to get my sickness money walking is free
the nhs has spent £5000 in gastric surgery now the lazy cow is gona undo it by eating crap.
then when she is fat again shes going to want surgery again ?
LucyCole
says...
1:04pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Thermo wrote:I think you missed the part where it said he is a pub chef. In most pubs these days that means having the ability to fry things in oil until they float.
she lives with a bloody chef. are you telling me that it is beyond his wit to cook up decent cheap food? A decent chef could produce good food for the price of a few chocolate bars and crisps.
why does the argus report such garbage
magoo
says...
1:05pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Lawson-land wrote:Most others aren't on disability benefit because of smoking related illness. Most actually have genuine disabilties, like myself and many people i know. The numpty that awarded her the benefit should be in the news as well as her...
magoo wrote:As opposed to most of the others on disability that can't work because of the damage they've done to themselves by smoking..? (We've paid for our illnesses through taxes they squeal). Make them all get a job - they could have sat on their backsides and manned the swine flu helplines...
Why the hell is she allowed to claim disability benefit for being FAT?? Being greedy and lazy isn't a disability!
crobar
says...
1:15pm Thu 30 Jul 09
hoveboy
says...
1:20pm Thu 30 Jul 09
LucyCole wrote:er...amd MICROWAVE!!! Don't sell the fella short! I absolutely LOVE this article. Everytime I read it I laugh!! Just fantastic...I will continue to be entertained by this one for days. Common people are HILARIOUS!
Thermo wrote: she lives with a bloody chef. are you telling me that it is beyond his wit to cook up decent cheap food? A decent chef could produce good food for the price of a few chocolate bars and crisps. why does the argus report such garbageI think you missed the part where it said he is a pub chef. In most pubs these days that means having the ability to fry things in oil until they float.
PeterP
says...
1:22pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Andaxi
says...
1:22pm Thu 30 Jul 09
jenh
says...
1:24pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Andaxi
says...
1:27pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Brightonscouse2
says...
1:28pm Thu 30 Jul 09
jenh wrote:I was just about to say the very same thing. Where are the comments in tribute to this great man who fought for that woman to sit there and eat crisps. More to the point Argus where's the article about it?
“I was almost sick when the letter arrived one morning telling me the Disability Living Allowance had been cut completely.What a loser! and this on a day when one of the last WW1 veterans, a man from a generation with far different values, is buried.
nice lady
says...
1:31pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Brightonscouse2
says...
1:31pm Thu 30 Jul 09
SummermoonUK
says...
1:31pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Oh how the other half live eh. Presumably she can now work as she is no longer hindered by her disability.
WFC
says...
1:32pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Charismatic Andrew
says...
1:34pm Thu 30 Jul 09
PeterP wrote:Why? Are you her boyfriend?
I am speechless. And ashamed.
bugmenot
says...
1:36pm Thu 30 Jul 09
So one handout I would approve of would be to cover the costs of having her sterilised.
WFC
says...
1:37pm Thu 30 Jul 09
PeterP
says...
1:37pm Thu 30 Jul 09
I really detest people like that. Still, in St Leonards just have a look around, plenty of them. The scum
Oh and sec word???? Get this... "Join-food"
You couldn't make it up!
mr punch
says...
1:38pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Wiggsy
says...
1:42pm Thu 30 Jul 09
http://www.netmums.c
om/food/Cooking_on_a
_Budget.266/
http://www.channel4.
com/food/recipes/hea
lthy/
MzEden
says...
1:46pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Junk food costs a hell of a lot more than healthy food. Frozen veg is as good as fresh and if you shop later in the evening you can often fill the freezer with the stuff going out of date.
This woman is everything that's wrong with society. Fat, lazy and blaming someone else for her problems!
shuttup
says...
1:51pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Good riddance.
Petewizard
says...
1:56pm Thu 30 Jul 09
debs21
says...
2:01pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Absolute scumbags the pair of them.
rostron71
says...
2:10pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Ruth Lumley, shame on you for giving this slob the oxygen of publicity. This is NOT a newsworthy story.
emma barnes
says...
2:11pm Thu 30 Jul 09
PeterP
says...
2:13pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Charismatic Andrew wrote:Certainly NOT!
PeterP wrote:Why? Are you her boyfriend?
I am speechless. And ashamed.
I'm deeply ashamed that I live in, and am from, a country where failure is richly rewarded. She is one example of this.
GreggWallace
says...
2:15pm Thu 30 Jul 09
http://tinyurl.com/n
ro8s7
She claimed that car off of benefits too.
Jo Wadsworth
says...
2:17pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Brightonscouse2 wrote:Hi Brightonscouse,
Ok my mistake i found the article but why is it not on the front page????
The article is on the front page, linked to from the main picture.
A Gold
says...
2:18pm Thu 30 Jul 09
jenh wrote:Quite right!
“I was almost sick when the letter arrived one morning telling me the Disability Living Allowance had been cut completely.What a loser! and this on a day when one of the last WW1 veterans, a man from a generation with far different values, is buried.
These days we have our Laura & the hoodie from the whitehawk co-op making the news.
Progress?
Laura love, have you tries Slimming World? It’s like Weight Watchers but a quid a week cheaper. You have red days & green days.
Peter Kay rocks!
andygunner
says...
2:28pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Tesco Value Pasta Quills 500g
43p
Tesco Value Pasta Sauce 440g
36p
TOTAL FOR DINNER 79p
Kettle chips
£1.54
Dairy milk 400g
£2.43
Total £3.97
THAT MEANS SHE CAN HAVE 5 DINNERS FOR THE COST OF HER CRISPS AND CHOCOLATE
Heathen Earth
says...
2:30pm Thu 30 Jul 09
annoyed of tumbridge wells
says...
2:30pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Has anyone taken the time to think about the total cost to society of this creatures life considering she has made no contirbutio to society at all:
1. Cost of all her medical care from birth to her gastric operation
2. The cost of her education from 5 - 16 (I am assuming she did not stay on for A levels or go to Uni)
3. Cost of all the child benefit to her Mother
4. This is the real biggy - the cost of all her housing through her life so far
5. Council Tax benefit since she was 18
6. here is another biggy - the cost of all the benefits paid to her since she was 16 or 18
7. And another wopper - the cost of all the tax and NI she has not paid since she was 16
I have done some rough calculations using very pesamistic assumptions and come up with an answer of hundreds of thousands of pounds. A cost to the nation apparently because she cannot control her appetite or cravings or for some of the other less generous reasons outlined in other responses.
Now letts add on the cost of her boyfriend and ohh, what about her mother, anyone want to put on a bet that she never worked and existed on benefits? Where is the father - I would think it is a pretty safe bet to say your could find a receipt for him down at the job centre.
Where does social security end and responsibility start?
Shorehamborn
says...
2:42pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Granny
says...
2:42pm Thu 30 Jul 09
bha fan
says...
2:46pm Thu 30 Jul 09
???
Go get a job like the rest of us! lazy **** **** **** women (i'll let you guess the bits left out)
Balance
says...
2:50pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Fattyboombye-bye
says...
2:57pm Thu 30 Jul 09
stan bailey
says...
2:58pm Thu 30 Jul 09
annoyed of tumbridge wells wrote:If she had special needs at school she would have cost even more with specialist help
As a life long socialist and supporter of the welfare state - this even makes me froth at the mouth.
Has anyone taken the time to think about the total cost to society of this creatures life considering she has made no contirbutio to society at all:
1. Cost of all her medical care from birth to her gastric operation
2. The cost of her education from 5 - 16 (I am assuming she did not stay on for A levels or go to Uni)
3. Cost of all the child benefit to her Mother
4. This is the real biggy - the cost of all her housing through her life so far
5. Council Tax benefit since she was 18
6. here is another biggy - the cost of all the benefits paid to her since she was 16 or 18
7. And another wopper - the cost of all the tax and NI she has not paid since she was 16
I have done some rough calculations using very pesamistic assumptions and come up with an answer of hundreds of thousands of pounds. A cost to the nation apparently because she cannot control her appetite or cravings or for some of the other less generous reasons outlined in other responses.
Now letts add on the cost of her boyfriend and ohh, what about her mother, anyone want to put on a bet that she never worked and existed on benefits? Where is the father - I would think it is a pretty safe bet to say your could find a receipt for him down at the job centre.
Where does social security end and responsibility start?
Granny
says...
2:59pm Thu 30 Jul 09
emma barnes
says...
2:59pm Thu 30 Jul 09
puddingandpi
says...
3:03pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Bro inherited £45,000 when mum died & he ate it. Home deliveries from supermarkets & take aways & it was gone in a year.
Now, he's back on benefits & fatter than ever.
emma barnes
says...
3:06pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Andy R
says...
3:07pm Thu 30 Jul 09
The way the story is written and the photo clearly do her no favours whatsoever.
The real danger of stories like this is that it feeds myths about the "life of luxury" to be had on benefits. The reality for most people is very different and I certainly would not wish to try it.
Finally, I see why people are indignant but the epithets about her personal appearance did start to become quite dull and repetitive after about message 10.
diddy d
says...
3:11pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Conor
says...
3:12pm Thu 30 Jul 09
emma barnes wrote:They might serve as a wake-up call.
I am concerned she might be upset reading all these comments about her.....O ..wait a minute...she wont be able to get close enough to the screen to read them...carry onthen.
Perhaps one of us should print them out, and send hem to her.
SlimGym
says...
3:14pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Variable
says...
3:16pm Thu 30 Jul 09
davyboy
says...
3:19pm Thu 30 Jul 09
wardth
says...
3:19pm Thu 30 Jul 09
mr punch
says...
3:23pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Jim BB
says...
3:32pm Thu 30 Jul 09
My taxes and hard work should not be spent to support someone like this. Benefits should only go to the genuinely disabled (not fat, lazy creatures) and for short-term support for those who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
"My daily calorie count has gone from 1,200 a day to 2,500. It's just not fair."
What's not fair is us having to pay for it - bet she gets fat deliberately to get her benefits back. Oh, and she doesn't need to join a gym, going for a walk or swimming in the sea for free can help her to lose weight - if that's what she really wanted.
Did you read the bit where she said apples don't fulfill her emotionally?!!
Fight Back
says...
3:40pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Balance wrote:Far from it - I think finding out how my taxes are spent is very newsworthy. We need more name and shame not less. Bet she doesn't have the guts to post her defence on here - I'll send her a chocolate bar if she does ;-)
I struggle to believe that the Argus think a story of someone whining about no longer being able to abuse the system having caused themselves to be fat is newsworthy. Surely the right think to do is to blacklist her from future payments relating to being a fat blob.
Security word - NICE-FREE - really !!!
Brightonscouse2
says...
3:43pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Jo Wadsworth wrote:Hi Jo i'm sorry if i didn't explain clearly but i'm referring to the prominence Mr Allinham's funeral is on your website. It seems that this particular story amongst others are featured higher up on the page even though the funeral has been national news.
Brightonscouse2 wrote:Hi Brightonscouse,
Ok my mistake i found the article but why is it not on the front page????
The article is on the front page, linked to from the main picture.
I just would have thought it might have a higher priority.
Harry Callahan
says...
3:52pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Charismatic Andrew
says...
3:58pm Thu 30 Jul 09
wardth wrote:She can't pull her socks up. She can't reach them.
This woman is talking a complete load of crap. I'm not even going to bother adding comments about healthy food being cheaper - others have highlighted this. I just wanted to register my complete and utter disgust that this lazy fat sponging cow is even given publicity to spout her bile. Get a bloody job, stop spending MY money and pull your bloody socks up. For crying out loud there are people DYING in the country who would give ANYTHING to have the opportunities you've been handed on a plate. How dare you.
annoyed of tumbridge wells
says...
4:00pm Thu 30 Jul 09
CharlotteP
says...
4:06pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Bobs my uncle
says...
4:21pm Thu 30 Jul 09
straycat
says...
4:30pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Bobs my uncle
says...
4:35pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Is it just me or wouldn’t she look at home in East Enders 20 years ago
VoiceofUnreason
says...
4:38pm Thu 30 Jul 09
in the real world
says...
4:42pm Thu 30 Jul 09
davyboy
says...
4:50pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Bobs my uncle
says...
4:53pm Thu 30 Jul 09
She’d do well in a live action version of one of the classic comic strips from Viz.
seagullsovergrimsby
says...
4:56pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Jo Wadsworth
says...
4:59pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Brightonscouse2 wrote:Hi Brightonscouse, I was also referring to the Henry Allingham funeral coverage. As I said, it's linked to from the main picture on the front page of the site (www.theargus.co.uk)
Jo Wadsworth wrote:Hi Jo i'm sorry if i didn't explain clearly but i'm referring to the prominence Mr Allinham's funeral is on your website. It seems that this particular story amongst others are featured higher up on the page even though the funeral has been national news.
Brightonscouse2 wrote:Hi Brightonscouse,
Ok my mistake i found the article but why is it not on the front page????
The article is on the front page, linked to from the main picture.
I just would have thought it might have a higher priority.
, we have created a special section (www.theargus.co.uk/
henry_allingham) and have published several stories, a gallery with scores of images and will be adding more video footage later.
However, we only have very limited room on the front page to display our top stories, which is why I have not used two slots for one story.
VoiceofUnreason
says...
5:00pm Thu 30 Jul 09
et a job,eat some salads and get some self respect.
leedsunited4ever
says...
5:01pm Thu 30 Jul 09
stan bailey
says...
5:04pm Thu 30 Jul 09
davyboy wrote:you don't really believe she uses a cooker do you?
we currently don't have a cooker, but use a microwave and george foreman grill. we are eating more healthily than ever, but i does mean having to think a little more about what you buy. we don't have the sort of money this 'fatty' gets, but we do eat better. STOP HER BENEFITS NOW, and get her to work for her money, like many others should too.
Synical Sid
says...
5:05pm Thu 30 Jul 09
minkeybrighton
says...
5:07pm Thu 30 Jul 09
stop crying about it and have a salad
hahahehe
says...
5:08pm Thu 30 Jul 09
no.2 with all the offers on fruit and veg you can eat cheaply
god i had to survive on 64 pound a fortnight when i was unemployed (and before anyone says anything was the only time unemployed during 15yrs of paying taxes and am working now)and i had two kids to feed to
what a waste of space does she realise she wont be able to walk down her road without being sniggered or shouted at?
get a job you lazy cow and stop whinging theres people with worse problems than you
god people like that need to be shot
lol security word roll-fund
yeah but a bacon roll would be nice for her ha ha
Dicky71
says...
5:12pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Osama bin there
says...
5:16pm Thu 30 Jul 09
It's a first on the Argus website. I wonder if she realises that?
VoiceofUnreason
says...
5:26pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Elm Grover
says...
5:30pm Thu 30 Jul 09
All the supermarkets sell fruit and veg quite cheaply these days. Pop in there, (not literally please) and grab yourself some apples, oranges, grapes, and even a banana or two. You can get all this for about the same amount as that big bar of Cadburys you have there for dinner.
It'll do you the world of good. Oh yeah, walk there, don't get a cab.
mamboo
says...
5:40pm Thu 30 Jul 09
relaxed
says...
5:54pm Thu 30 Jul 09
VoiceofUnreason
says...
5:57pm Thu 30 Jul 09
relaxed wrote:Some of us manage to exist quietly and reasonably healthily by working and without all the 'professionals' you say this poor soul deserves.Never read so much rhubarb as that comment
Shame on you all. Someone has set this lady up. In my experience, people who have an eating disorder tend to have low esteem and a whole lot of other issues. This frenzy of abusive comment which is clearly aimed at her, will only serve to make her worse rather than better. We all know that this situation is wrong. I just hope that those with the ability and power to help this lady continue to lose weight; get a job; get healthy; contribute to society, and be happy will help her. Maybe some health professionals, fitness professionals and job centre professionals will contact her. I hope she turns her life around.
oh dear
says...
5:58pm Thu 30 Jul 09
steveP2009
says...
6:00pm Thu 30 Jul 09
relaxed
says...
6:01pm Thu 30 Jul 09
VoiceofUnreason
says...
6:05pm Thu 30 Jul 09
relaxed wrote:Take responsibilty for your own life.Stop looking for a 'nanny' to guide you through.Or failing that,try knitting another yoghurt.
VOice of Unreason - well we're not all as brilliant and able as you are - I'm very pleased that you (and most of the population) can live reasonably without the help of others. One day though, you might find you need the help of professionals, we don't know what's around the corner - my life changed completely this year - and I needed help for the first time ever. Don't be so smug.
tarik
says...
6:05pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Just to put a slightly different slant on it all, is there anybody on here who knows her, knows who she is, or lives nearby? Is it all true? Surely not? Tell me it's not, please!!!
I've gotta email this to my mates :-)
relaxed
says...
6:09pm Thu 30 Jul 09
oh dear
says...
6:23pm Thu 30 Jul 09
relaxed wrote:It is lovely that you have a compassionate attitude, which is something that seems to be in short supply these days, but this story seems quite different to yours. Like Voice of Unreason raised, there needs to be some level of people taking responsibility for their own lives. Without that, all the best professional help available can (and does) fall flat.
VOice of Unreason - I've wroked full time since 1969, brought up a family, had about 5 days off sick from work in the last 15 years, paid oodles of tax, never had a benefit in my life (except £25 maternity grant). Then my hesband got seriously ill - I stopped work to be a full time carer until he died - THEN I and he needed the professionals! So stop being smug.
AmraNag
says...
6:25pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Voice of the silent Majority
says...
6:26pm Thu 30 Jul 09
mark 62
says...
6:33pm Thu 30 Jul 09
relaxed
says...
6:34pm Thu 30 Jul 09
You don't get it. I'm not a compassionate, gently bentley,fluffy thinker! I'm serious - this situation is wrong, but slating this woman on this site is not the answer - except to fulfil the empty lives of people who want to kick those who are already down (whether they know it or not). We're all different, some of us get helpful guidance as we grow up, some get precious little. But action is needed and I'd like the 'professionals' who are generally civil servants, paid through the tax collected from all of us, to help this lady turn her life around - and pull her out of a vicious circle of ill health and benefit living.
TheInsider
says...
6:38pm Thu 30 Jul 09
It was not created as a long-term substitute for employment.
We are united here for a change and we need to ensure we lobby our MPs for change.
Benefits are for those who need them not for long-term malingerers and there are thousands of them in the UK and whole families, still breeding, still claiming.
It has to stop.
gareth_evan
says...
6:50pm Thu 30 Jul 09
oh dear
says...
6:53pm Thu 30 Jul 09
relaxed wrote:I never said you were! I was being sincere about your compassion; I don't think it should be a word that is necessarily linked to wooly/fluffy undertones. I really question though how someone can be 'pulled out' of a vicious circle without any sense of responsibility over their own actions and how fully another person can do that for someone else. Fundamental change seems to occur when people begin to act on their own behalf and to think that a professional can and should be the one doing it for them can be hugely disempowering. Sure she could be supported but I remain unconvinced of the true therapeutic value of someone taking responsibility for this lady on her behalf.
Oh dear Hove You don't get it. I'm not a compassionate, gently bentley,fluffy thinker! I'm serious - this situation is wrong, but slating this woman on this site is not the answer - except to fulfil the empty lives of people who want to kick those who are already down (whether they know it or not). We're all different, some of us get helpful guidance as we grow up, some get precious little. But action is needed and I'd like the 'professionals' who are generally civil servants, paid through the tax collected from all of us, to help this lady turn her life around - and pull her out of a vicious circle of ill health and benefit living.
The Good Driver
says...
6:54pm Thu 30 Jul 09
She should, perhaps, open a dictionary and look at the definition of 'coupling'.
Doesn't even bear thinking about.
gareth_evan
says...
6:59pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Kendall80
says...
7:12pm Thu 30 Jul 09
QUOTE: "That was the money I used to pay for the gym, pay for healthy food and have my hair highlighted."
Why is she using Disability money to have her hair done? Please I need someone to explain this!! I work full time and pay huge amounts in taxes and I can hardly ever afford to have my hair done. I usually just buy a DIY kit from Boots, when the money is there, which very often it isn't.
This has made me so so angry.
"I have to go for cheap chocolate and packets of fatty Space Invaders."
Cadburys chocolate is not cheap. That gigantic bar would cost around £2, maybe more. A couple of quid she could use to buy some fruit or veg instead.
"I've also had to cancel my gym membership"
EVER HEARD OF GETTING OFF YOUR BACKSIDE AND GOING FOR A RUN?? Or doing sit ups in your living room? Or using cans of soup etc for weights? Its not rocket science is it??
Seriously, is this a wind up? This woman cannot be for real. Se is clearly not living in the real world if she thinks she's being "forced" to eat junk food because she has no alternative. There's no excuse not to eat healthily at all, all supermarkets stock cheap fruit and veg, own brands, economy brands. I can buy;a 1kg value pack of pasta,some tins of tomatoes for sauce, and a couple of onions (feeding a family of FOUR)for less then what she probably spends on chocolate.
Stupid stupid stupid woman, she has done herself no favours by going public with her "sob story". I am absolutely disgusted that mine and all other tax payers money is being used in this way to fund the lifestyle of this waste of space.
I really really hope she comes on here and sees what people think of her and I for one would be cheering if she is arrested for benefit fraud.
Revolting.
yorkie44
says...
7:21pm Thu 30 Jul 09
GreggWallace
says...
7:22pm Thu 30 Jul 09
We have created a 200lb Beef Special. It's basically 200 fatty beef steaks, smothered in 5' thick lard and chocholate sprinkles, melted cheese and Pickled Onion space raiders. Driddled with sun dried haggis and beef dripping with one of your five a day on the top: a roast elephant.
Enjoy. It's succulent and well seasoned. With grease.
Having cooked that, I can definitely ay Cooking doesn't get tougher than this.
VoiceofUnreason
says...
7:27pm Thu 30 Jul 09
godfatherpizza
says...
7:27pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Secondly - you live with a chef - he can easaly cook a good low fat meal. Go down the supermarket at 2pm each day and look at the knock downs. Fresh healthy meals.
Thirdly - if you are online do a little work from home and earn what ever the system lets you with out loosing benifits.
Fourthly - dont spend the tax and nino contributions i pay on rubbish.
Good luck and keep loosing the weight.
steveP2009
says...
7:29pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Brightonscouse2
says...
7:32pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Jo Wadsworth wrote:I stand correted Jo sorry.
Brightonscouse2 wrote:Hi Brightonscouse, I was also referring to the Henry Allingham funeral coverage. As I said, it's linked to from the main picture on the front page of the site (www.theargus.co.uk)
Jo Wadsworth wrote:Hi Jo i'm sorry if i didn't explain clearly but i'm referring to the prominence Mr Allinham's funeral is on your website. It seems that this particular story amongst others are featured higher up on the page even though the funeral has been national news.
Brightonscouse2 wrote:Hi Brightonscouse,
Ok my mistake i found the article but why is it not on the front page????
The article is on the front page, linked to from the main picture.
I just would have thought it might have a higher priority.
, we have created a special section (www.theargus.co.uk/
henry_allingham) and have published several stories, a gallery with scores of images and will be adding more video footage later.
However, we only have very limited room on the front page to display our top stories, which is why I have not used two slots for one story.
Back to the topic at hand. When she goes to the supermarket to buy her crisps and chocolate she ironically has to pass the fruit and veg section which is always placed at the front of the shop.
mark 62, brighton
You say about people diagnosed with depression that are on benefits. I am diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety and although there arn't physical symptoms i can guarantee you it's not an easy illness to deal with. I am on ESA and get 60 odd quid a week plus my rent of 80 pw paid. My council tax is inclusive so i don't claim council tax benefit. The majority of people on this benefit arn't living the life of luxury in fact far from it and until you experience mental illness i'd suggest you don't tar us all as spongers who are out for a free ride.
Train Driver
says...
7:37pm Thu 30 Jul 09
As for all you fine people who have posted comments so far,,Thanks. you have made my day as some of the comments nearly made me wet myself laughing lol.
mike77
says...
7:38pm Thu 30 Jul 09
elainep
says...
7:49pm Thu 30 Jul 09
http://www.bbc.co.uk
/southerncounties/co
ntent/articles/2007/
09/05/vn_my_dream_we
ight_video_feature.s
html
elainep
says...
7:50pm Thu 30 Jul 09
maxiboy
says...
8:05pm Thu 30 Jul 09
HoveHound
says...
8:06pm Thu 30 Jul 09
relaxed
says...
8:13pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Once again you make assumptions and miss my point. Professionals in this kind of work don't disempower people (i.e they are fully trained and PROFESSIONAL in the work they do) - the whole point of their work is to empower those who have not had the ability to take care of their own future. Frankly I find your comments about my posting somewhat patronising. I reiterate that the comments on this site about this lady are abusive and people continue with their self righteous statements - maybe one day they will find they need some help themselves - like I said before - you don't know what's around the corner.
leedsunited4ever
says...
8:18pm Thu 30 Jul 09
berkorich
says...
8:25pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Johntomgreen
says...
8:32pm Thu 30 Jul 09
What I would like to know is where the rest of the £500 a month goes if only £70 of this is spent on rent? Instead of moaning about what she hasn’t got I suggest Laura Ripley uses the rest of this money to get on a bus and make her way to a local job centre where she can start earning her keep in this society. The walk down to the bus stop might even help her get some exercise instead of claiming that without her money she can no longer afford her gym membership.
I’m sure the majority of us would love the option of having a gym membership and having our hair highlighted while also getting free ‘plastic surgery’ on the NHS to remove fat which we let happen. Unfortunately the reality for most of us is that we work extremely long, hard days at work, possibly in a job that we don’t enjoy to pay our rent and feed ourselves which leaves us without any money to pay for the luxuries which Laura seems to claim are a ‘given’.
Some tips for the future........Get a job, go for a walk regularly, appreciate how much you are being supported and funded by hard working tax payers and get a reality check!
Marco&Kath
says...
8:36pm Thu 30 Jul 09
1) Now that you are 16 stone why can't you (and your lazy boyfriend) get jobs?
2) Fruit and vegetables are sooooo much cheaper than kettle chips
3) Why don't you have some self discipline and stop eating the junk anyway - seeing as you used thousands of public money for your gastric bypass.
4) Your boyfriend is a chef - surely he can give you advice regarding healthy eating and cook healthy meals (especially as he has so much time on his hands)
5) ever heard of using your legs for exercise? i.e. walking?
6)do you think everyone should get their highlights paid for by the government or just you?
we could write so much more but we are off to cook a cheap nutritious meal, go for a run and get ourselves ready for full time work in the morning!!!!
mike77
says...
8:37pm Thu 30 Jul 09
tarik
says...
8:39pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Meanwhile what's underlying it all are two facets of modern Britain: how we all seem to be victims somehow, and how everybody wants to be a "celeb" of some kind (whatever that means).
What other reason would she have gone to the media? She can see it's an easy way to make some cash, surely? Yes? No? What do you all think?
Jo Wadsworth
says...
8:45pm Thu 30 Jul 09
elainep wrote:thanks for finding that video elainep - I'll add it to the related links.
I would echo pretty much all the comments here. It would seem Ms Ripley likes the publicity; she's in the latest issue of Closer (not that I read that sort of thing of course)and she had a short film made about herself a couple of years ago:
http://www.bbc.co.uk
/southerncounties/co
ntent/articles/2007/
09/05/vn_my_dream_we
ight_video_feature.s
html
To everyone who has questioned why we have run the story, I think the strength of feeling about the issue of how state benefits are issued which can be seen from the comments justifies our running the story. It also highlights issues about the mentality which benefit culture fosters, and the psychology of weight gain and loss.
Berkorich - The Argus does report a huge range of stories about what is going on in Brighton and Hove. I would add, in case you are not a regular reader of the paper, that not all of these stories are published online. However, if there is a story which you think we should be covering and are not, please email news@theargus.co.uk. Alternatively, if you would like to report on very local news (e.g. school fetes, lost pets, real grass roots news) which is happening in your immediate neighbourhood, please consider becoming a community correspondent - www.theargus.co.uk/c
ommunitypages. If you are interested, email me at jo.wadsworth@theargu
s.co.uk
mike77
says...
8:47pm Thu 30 Jul 09
VoiceofUnreason
says...
8:47pm Thu 30 Jul 09
mike77
says...
8:58pm Thu 30 Jul 09
LD17
says...
9:10pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Spreadly
says...
9:11pm Thu 30 Jul 09
makeitcount
says...
9:24pm Thu 30 Jul 09
http://www.ryeandbat
tleobserver.co.uk/ra
ce-for-life/Slimline
-Laura-will-run.3946
524.jp
http://www.hastingso
bserver.co.uk/racefo
rlife/Laura-sheds-th
e-pounds-to.4193534.
jp
Page the Oracle
says...
9:25pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Peace & goodwill to us all. XXX
0-0-0
says...
9:25pm Thu 30 Jul 09
LD17 wrote:Yes, I have also been wondering if this is a hoax. Sort of what you get in The Onion.
This article has GOT to be a wind up - the picture of her with the 'props' are a classic!! It must be an article borrowed from a comedy sketch show because if this is true, she should be bloody ashamed of herself and I cannot believe she has gone to the papers!! IDIOT!
ed27
says...
9:29pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Security word: chunky-nutter
Blue&White
says...
9:30pm Thu 30 Jul 09
The point I can't get past is that she's apparently got enough nous to flog the story round the tabloids and the goss mags, but yet tries to put all the blame on the social for her own poor life choices.
I wonder how long the boyfriend will stick around, now that the money ain't rollin' in like it used to?
makeitcount
says...
9:36pm Thu 30 Jul 09
simba1945
says...
9:48pm Thu 30 Jul 09
joecooper
says...
9:49pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Get a grip on yourself honey, four cartons of apple juice at asda costs £2. Water is practically free. But actually taking a photo of yourself with a sad face and stuffing yourself is degrading on the stereotypes of large woman.
mike77
says...
9:52pm Thu 30 Jul 09
mark 62
says...
9:53pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Brightonscouse2 wrote:stop feeling sorry for yourself and get off your arse and get a job, reason your down is lack of work and getting your body moving, truth is no one actually does anything other than sit on there backside, by time your out of bed , i have run to gym, hour work out and home by 9 most days! get of your sad lazy bum and open your eyes to a world of people who should make you see how lucky you are! this guy of 113 who just passed away? do you think he had life his own way? if you want to talk about mental health, read book by some who went through ww1, you are a weak useless person. get a life.
Jo Wadsworth wrote:I stand correted Jo sorry. Back to the topic at hand. When she goes to the supermarket to buy her crisps and chocolate she ironically has to pass the fruit and veg section which is always placed at the front of the shop. mark 62, brighton You say about people diagnosed with depression that are on benefits. I am diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety and although there arn't physical symptoms i can guarantee you it's not an easy illness to deal with. I am on ESA and get 60 odd quid a week plus my rent of 80 pw paid. My council tax is inclusive so i don't claim council tax benefit. The majority of people on this benefit arn't living the life of luxury in fact far from it and until you experience mental illness i'd suggest you don't tar us all as spongers who are out for a free ride.Brightonscouse2 wrote:Hi Brightonscouse, I was also referring to the Henry Allingham funeral coverage. As I said, it's linked to from the main picture on the front page of the site (www.theargus.co.uk) , we have created a special section (www.theargus.co.uk/ henry_allingham) and have published several stories, a gallery with scores of images and will be adding more video footage later. However, we only have very limited room on the front page to display our top stories, which is why I have not used two slots for one story.Jo Wadsworth wrote:Hi Jo i'm sorry if i didn't explain clearly but i'm referring to the prominence Mr Allinham's funeral is on your website. It seems that this particular story amongst others are featured higher up on the page even though the funeral has been national news. I just would have thought it might have a higher priority.Brightonscouse2 wrote: Ok my mistake i found the article but why is it not on the front page????Hi Brightonscouse, The article is on the front page, linked to from the main picture.
makeitcount
says...
10:03pm Thu 30 Jul 09
PeterP
says...
10:15pm Thu 30 Jul 09
I think this one has gone the way of the 'victim' and has got WAY too big.
There's a good girl.
PeterP
says...
10:19pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Horrified that the State was 'supporting' her.
So am I. So am I.
xxsprigglesxx
says...
10:20pm Thu 30 Jul 09
xxsprigglesxx
says...
10:20pm Thu 30 Jul 09
mike77
says...
10:33pm Thu 30 Jul 09
betty boo
says...
10:49pm Thu 30 Jul 09
mark 62
says...
10:52pm Thu 30 Jul 09
mike77 wrote:why is that then? she is clearly capable of claiming, as she is of having a boyfriend? a chef? this country is going down the sh-- pan, no benefirs in china, no benefits in korea, what is the break down of people " depressed " in these countries? very few, most people want life for nothing? what i cant believe is someone standing for government, saying no more for these scum bags, jesus is it so hard to work for a living?
All joking aside though, she must be suffering from a very severe mental illness to have expected to get sympathy for this, so perhaps she should get the sickness benefit after all?
PeterP
says...
10:56pm Thu 30 Jul 09
mike77 wrote:There's always one isn't there.
All joking aside though, she must be suffering from a very severe mental illness to have expected to get sympathy for this, so perhaps she should get the sickness benefit after all?
pigglet
says...
10:56pm Thu 30 Jul 09
How can you sit there stuffing your face with all that junk and claim incapasability benefits when you should get off your fat ars and get a job do you know you are claiming more than my mother and she is genuine disabled person who worked for a living and brought up a family before becoming disabled and she gets nowhere near what you are getting and she only gets one of the benefits you get and not two like you how have you managed that then people like you are a disgrace to our society and a waste of space why should people like me work and keep lazy fat cows like you
planetpmc
says...
11:08pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Dave At Home
says...
11:08pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Got no time for her, her boyfriend or the Argus for wasting time running the story. All 3 are unbelievable.
berkorich
says...
11:14pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Arnie
says...
11:21pm Thu 30 Jul 09
steveP2009
says...
11:29pm Thu 30 Jul 09
Arnie wrote:What a ridiculous thing to say. If nobody statd their thoughts then people would get away with this blatantly lazy behavior and claim benefits which they don't deserve. I can certainly say my life is not in a state compared to this woman. Idiot.
Yes, she's overweight, uneducated and scrounging off the state. An easy target and nil points to everyone here for posting the bleeding obvious. Says more about the state of your lives than this woman's.
Brightonscouse2
says...
11:35pm Thu 30 Jul 09
mark 62 wrote:I beg your pardon. Don't even think about patronising me you self serving pious idiot. There's a big difference between feeling sorry for yourself and having a mental illness experiencing it i know first hand. Are you a doctor or qualified professional who can tell the difference between feeling sorry for yourself and mental illness. No your not and to people like you that are ill informed you think it's black and white. Do you think i'm having fun? No because when the depression gets particulary bad i consider things that would horrify you. Do you think i'm sitting here using it as an excuse? No because i am seeking the relevant help.
Brightonscouse2 wrote:stop feeling sorry for yourself and get off your arse and get a job, reason your down is lack of work and getting your body moving, truth is no one actually does anything other than sit on there backside, by time your out of bed , i have run to gym, hour work out and home by 9 most days! get of your sad lazy bum and open your eyes to a world of people who should make you see how lucky you are! this guy of 113 who just passed away? do you think he had life his own way? if you want to talk about mental health, read book by some who went through ww1, you are a weak useless person. get a life.
Jo Wadsworth wrote:I stand correted Jo sorry. Back to the topic at hand. When she goes to the supermarket to buy her crisps and chocolate she ironically has to pass the fruit and veg section which is always placed at the front of the shop. mark 62, brighton You say about people diagnosed with depression that are on benefits. I am diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety and although there arn't physical symptoms i can guarantee you it's not an easy illness to deal with. I am on ESA and get 60 odd quid a week plus my rent of 80 pw paid. My council tax is inclusive so i don't claim council tax benefit. The majority of people on this benefit arn't living the life of luxury in fact far from it and until you experience mental illness i'd suggest you don't tar us all as spongers who are out for a free ride.Brightonscouse2 wrote:Hi Brightonscouse, I was also referring to the Henry Allingham funeral coverage. As I said, it's linked to from the main picture on the front page of the site (www.theargus.co.uk) , we have created a special section (www.theargus.co.uk/ henry_allingham) and have published several stories, a gallery with scores of images and will be adding more video footage later. However, we only have very limited room on the front page to display our top stories, which is why I have not used two slots for one story.Jo Wadsworth wrote:Hi Jo i'm sorry if i didn't explain clearly but i'm referring to the prominence Mr Allinham's funeral is on your website. It seems that this particular story amongst others are featured higher up on the page even though the funeral has been national news. I just would have thought it might have a higher priority.Brightonscouse2 wrote: Ok my mistake i found the article but why is it not on the front page????Hi Brightonscouse, The article is on the front page, linked to from the main picture.
Good for you for having a healthy clean living life that's actually what i aspire to but i just hope when i gain it, it doesn't make me a pompous,self righteous ****.
Don't you dare call me a weak useless person i have never used the illness as an excuse for anything and have only recently been unemployed. It's very easy to be judgemental from your high horse but don't presume to know my particular circumstances. I merely wanted explain this myth that people like myself on benefits are living the life of riley with excess money to spend. But you have your daily mail attitude and your if you can't see it it must be psychosomatic or all a big con ideology.
As for Mr Allingham who fought in world war one i have every appreciation for his efforts in World War 1 seeing as had he and his fellow soldiers not fought and history taken a different turn people like myself would have been shot.
emma barnes
says...
11:39pm Thu 30 Jul 09
muttonsmother
says...
11:39pm Thu 30 Jul 09
jooj
says...
12:16am Fri 31 Jul 09
Possibly one of the most expensive types of crisps you can buy.
No money eh?
DC1
says...
12:52am Fri 31 Jul 09
You would think the parents of a 12 year old, weighing in at 15 stone and being a fat monstrosity themselfs, would atleast try and provide a better life for their children, than they themselfs have had bein fat ****.
pigglet
says...
12:54am Fri 31 Jul 09
Arnie
says...
1:24am Fri 31 Jul 09
steveP2009 wrote:So she's going to stop eating crisps and claiming benefits because you've had a go at her on a website and called somebody else an idiot?
Arnie wrote:What a ridiculous thing to say. If nobody statd their thoughts then people would get away with this blatantly lazy behavior and claim benefits which they don't deserve. I can certainly say my life is not in a state compared to this woman. Idiot.
Yes, she's overweight, uneducated and scrounging off the state. An easy target and nil points to everyone here for posting the bleeding obvious. Says more about the state of your lives than this woman's.
Rocker
says...
1:34am Fri 31 Jul 09
And she has the audacity to complain she is not being given enough....
Pull the benefits,and let nature take it's course.
ukchriss
says...
2:16am Fri 31 Jul 09
http://www.cambridge
-diet.co.uk/
Lose the weight and get a job!
gunnke
says...
5:12am Fri 31 Jul 09
I work full-time and do not earn a great deal. After paying for my accommodation, council tax, etc, etc, my disposable income is probably the equivalent of or less than what this particular lady gets in benefits.
However, I still manage to afford fresh fruit and veg and by and large, eat a healthy and balanced diet. I also do a lot of cycling so I manage to keep myself in good physical shape.
Although we have similar disposable incomes, the main reason why our lifestyles are so different is due to the fact that I consider myself to have half a brain whereas she is a thick, lazy slob.
Unfortunately there are people like this lady everywhere in our society, just venture out in London Road on any given day of the week.
nhagerty
says...
7:20am Fri 31 Jul 09
what rock in this planet has this disgrase to society crawled from under because i suggest you crawl back under it love!!!
"i only want an extra £100 a month"
WHAT for highlights!!!
she cant be serious!!! she has been fat all her life so has probably never had a job therefore has probably never paid tax! BUT still insists on wasting the taxpayers money stuffing her face! does she not think getting £8000 from us taxpayers is enough??? this lady gets basically a free house!!! its rediculous! the government should give her NOTHING!!! that way she would HAVE to work to pay for her OWN junk food!!
this woman gets free dental treatment and health care but us full time workers who pay tax still hve to pay for our prescriptions and dental treatment!!!!
i work with a lady who is probably twice the size of her but yet still manages to work full time!!!!!
she is takin the **** out of everyone!!!
i have nothing against obese people but if you want a house, junk food AND HIGHLIGHTS please do it at your OWN expense!!!!!
Northstander
says...
7:58am Fri 31 Jul 09
Whitedot
says...
8:00am Fri 31 Jul 09
Tye
says...
8:00am Fri 31 Jul 09
Arnie wrote:I first thought you might be a chef and a friend then as you posted more ne can see you're the typical apologist for the guilty
steveP2009 wrote:So she's going to stop eating crisps and claiming benefits because you've had a go at her on a website and called somebody else an idiot?Arnie wrote: Yes, she's overweight, uneducated and scrounging off the state. An easy target and nil points to everyone here for posting the bleeding obvious. Says more about the state of your lives than this woman's.What a ridiculous thing to say. If nobody statd their thoughts then people would get away with this blatantly lazy behavior and claim benefits which they don't deserve. I can certainly say my life is not in a state compared to this woman. Idiot.
Yob kicks an old lady to death?
Oh poor Yob - he's had a hard time you know!
anifawinifa
says...
8:35am Fri 31 Jul 09
millie1
says...
8:36am Fri 31 Jul 09
marttheman
says...
8:49am Fri 31 Jul 09
To think that in a country approximately around half of British adults are overweight, and 17 per cent of men and 21 per cent of women are obese, we the tax payer are picking up the burden for this obese obominations over-indulgence. Having to pay £70 a month towards your rent from your £600 of taxpayers money? Poor you! Unable to pay your gym subscription any longer? Never heard of walking as exercise? Having to eat fatty snack foods? A tin of Peeled plum tomatoes= 2 for £1 & a packet of pasta £0.97 from the local supermarket. That's enough for 2 people to have a square meal for two days.
I have a friend with spina-bifida who is wheelchair bound. She works part-time, is entitled to disability benefit but has to jump through hoops to get anything at all, because she is willing to work as well out of a sense of pride.
Isn't it about time, particularly in the current economic climate, that the hardworking tax payers of Britain stopped picking up the bill for lazy people? Isn't it about time these people took some personal responsibility instead of looking for a free meal ticket?
But we can't have poor obese Laura Ripley starving now, can we? Should I see her in the street, I will happily donate a free will offering of a tasty morsel - from my cat litter tray.
pw24
says...
8:55am Fri 31 Jul 09
did this women honestly hope to conjure up some sympathy from argus readers ....maybe a campaign to have her benefits reinstated!
DREAM ON LOVE!!!!
the party is over
mike77
says...
9:35am Fri 31 Jul 09
dshooter
says...
9:44am Fri 31 Jul 09
BBBrighton
says...
10:04am Fri 31 Jul 09
240 comments!
impressive.
willowgirl
says...
10:07am Fri 31 Jul 09
notaconspiracy
says...
10:22am Fri 31 Jul 09
NJK
says...
11:09am Fri 31 Jul 09
AntiFatFascist
says...
11:27am Fri 31 Jul 09
Cut off her money and really suffer,why even waste time educating her to eat right?
The rules are simple: Crisps make you fat, so does 3lts of fizzy drink, don't just eat a mountain of chips (french fries) for dinner.
But who cares about her? I know I don't, and neather do the first 30 comment writers.
Thanks
Andy R
says...
11:31am Fri 31 Jul 09
It is understandable that people should be questioning of this woman's situation (since she unwisely decided to go public with it), but some of the revolting personal comments on here do little credit to the people making them. You have to wonder which oil painting some of these people most resemble. Picasso's "Guernica" perhaps?
rostron71
says...
11:34am Fri 31 Jul 09
Hippy liberal excuse-making for this woman and her ilk is the reason this country's been in almost terminal social decline for the last 10 years.
Personally, I don't care how fat she is. What makes my blood boil is she's doing it AT MY EXPENSE.
camp gay
says...
11:49am Fri 31 Jul 09
people power
says...
1:26pm Fri 31 Jul 09
NJK
says...
1:38pm Fri 31 Jul 09
moonbucket
says...
1:51pm Fri 31 Jul 09
I just went shopping for her on tesco online:
Tesco value pasta quills £0.43
Trattori peeled plum tomatoes £0.33
Tesco value tuna chunks £0.58
Tesco garlic clove £0.34
Tesco onion £0.25
Tesco Half Ciabatta £0.50
Tesco Value low fat yoghurt x2 0.29
Tasty, healthy meal for 2: £3.01 (and next meal will be cheaper as you won't use all the ingredients).
Or 3 bags of kettle chips!!!
dogsdinner
says...
3:04pm Fri 31 Jul 09
Andy R, I thought 5 a day was good?
SummermoonUK
says...
3:29pm Fri 31 Jul 09
people power
says...
3:34pm Fri 31 Jul 09
WFC
says...
4:09pm Fri 31 Jul 09
Part of me thinks i could of got taxed £575 if it was not for people like this.
This angers me and questions the value for money I receieve from a % of my tax bill.
Send her to the poorest regions of Africa, show her what real suffering is & let her come back slightly more educated
Or
Send her on a cookery course so she has the skills to put water in a kettle and boil some tescos pasta.
Then stop her benfits.
Man With No Name
says...
4:31pm Fri 31 Jul 09
ROFL
says...
6:47pm Fri 31 Jul 09
"Disability Living Allowance has two parts called 'components':
a care component - if you need help looking after yourself or supervision to keep you safe
a mobility component - if you can't walk or need help getting around."
If her claim was based on the second part of this, (as there's no hint that she qualifies on the first bit) and she speed-walked 5km around Alexandra Park on Sunday June 15th last year, she's lucky they only stopped her DLA. I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't start procedures for getting back a year's worth of the benefit from her, and prosecuted her for fraudulent claiming, as well...
mike77
says...
8:42pm Fri 31 Jul 09
Tye
says...
9:27am Sat 1 Aug 09
after all they like to anger us and when we react like pavolvs dogs to slobs,scroungers travellers etc then the argus tells us off for some "ism"
hypochrisy or just cynicism?
0-0-0
says...
10:13am Sat 1 Aug 09
Tye wrote:Tye, I think you've hit the nail on the head there.
One does wonder IF The Argus reporter took the Coke and the crisps with them and asked her to pose with them
after all they like to anger us and when we react like pavolvs dogs to slobs,scroungers travellers etc then the argus tells us off for some "ism"
hypochrisy or just cynicism?
Baguette
says...
11:29am Sat 1 Aug 09
Pure sh*t stirring.
truthpostulant
says...
3:54pm Sat 1 Aug 09
ingawful.com/showthr
ead.php?threadid=317
9427 lol, this sponging whale has gone viral!
ssilkystone
says...
5:36pm Sat 1 Aug 09
ssilkystone
says...
5:54pm Sat 1 Aug 09
CarlyL
says...
6:11pm Sat 1 Aug 09
Don't drink Coke - drink water.
Don't eat Weight Watchers crisps - don't eat any bloody crisps!
What a FAT sponging woman.
I'd also like to know why the Council have given a single person (all be it a fatty) a two bedroom property.
Perhap she'll put on enough weight to ensure a shorter period of time that society has to support her fat arse.
Gemma_L
says...
11:25pm Sat 1 Aug 09
mike77
says...
8:34am Sun 2 Aug 09
mike77
says...
8:36am Sun 2 Aug 09
Jon Tooth
says...
1:12pm Mon 3 Aug 09
You almost had me going there for a second!
SummermoonUK
says...
7:53am Tue 4 Aug 09
people power wrote:Thank you. However Ration books were for the hard-working general public.
summermoonUk - That is an exceptionally good idea, bring back ration books, we are at war after all, it worked before!
Another point to ponder is if she lost the required amount of weight to have the gastric band etc., why didn't she continue doing the diet she was on?? DOH! Did the NHS trust not have that light bulb moment "Hang on she lost x amount of weight for the operation she can continue that diet/exercise and not cost us £30,000" Though that would be too simple for the NHS.
menab0t
says...
4:50pm Tue 4 Aug 09
Randy Lahey
says...
7:12pm Tue 4 Aug 09
0-0-0 wrote:I can't believe it's taken this many comments for someone else to realise she has been properly stitched up by the reporter. If I was a small claims lawyer, I would be suing the Argus for defamation of character.
Tye wrote: One does wonder IF The Argus reporter took the Coke and the crisps with them and asked her to pose with them after all they like to anger us and when we react like pavolvs dogs to slobs,scroungers travellers etc then the argus tells us off for some "ism" hypochrisy or just cynicism?Tye, I think you've hit the nail on the head there.
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JimP says...
6:18pm Wed 29 Jul 09
I have lived in countries where some people raise families on a few pence a day, have no clean water, electricity or health facilities. (And no gym membership or hair colouring either). They are the ones that have my sympathy, not people like this who stuff their fat faces at our expense and expect us to feel sorry for them. Since she can find a man online maybe she should go back to the keyboard and find a job as well.