Viessmann and installer STL Heating & Energy have helped a Bristol family in need by installing a new boiler.

The family’s old boiler broke down and they were refused finance on a new model so were resigned to spending Christmas without heating or hot water. On benefits and with children with autism and Asperger syndrome, the Bennetts could not afford a new boiler and were facing a freezing festive period and beyond.

Viessmann and STL Heating & Energy, with some help from the Linked In business social networking website, came to the rescue. The result was the installation just two days before Christmas of a brand new Viessmann Vitodens 100-W boiler.

Viessmann managing director, Graham Russell, said: “A plea went out on Linked In from the company that had been unable to finance a new boiler for the family. They were concerned about the plight of the family, which struggles at the best of times, not least with the demands of two children with special needs. In the run-up to Christmas, when it was minus several degrees outside, we were concerned about the exceptional circumstances facing the Bennetts and decided we should help with this one-off donation.”

“We were pretty elated to hear that we were getting any kind of help and to find out the boiler was to be given to us for free was a real bonus,” said Martyn Stratford.

Pictured L-R: Alex Vangeen of Viessmann, Martyn Stratford, John Hood of STL Heating & Energy and Melaney Bennett.