Plumber praised for heartwarming detail on elderly woman's bill

Instead of billing her for the work when he was done, he wrote on the receipt that the total cost of the job came to $0. Photo / Getty Images

A British plumber's kind act after being called out to fix an elderly woman's boiler has earned him worldwide praise.

James Anderson from the English town of Burnley was called to a 91-year-old woman's home after her boiler sprung a couple of leaks.

Instead of billing her for the work when he was done, he wrote on the receipt that the total cost of the job came to $0.

James Anderson has helped thousands of people in need through his company. Photo / Facebook

The receipt was originally posted on Facebook by the woman's daughter and has since been shared across social media.

"Lady is 91 years of age, acute leukaemia, end of life care. No charge for this lady under any circumstances," the bill read.

"We will be available 24 hours to help her and keep her as comfortable as possible."

Mr Anderson has been running Disabled & Elderly Plumbing and Heating Emergency Repair (DEPHER), a not-for-profit company, since March 2017.

Since the company started, Mr Anderson has helped 2389 people through the business.

He told CNN he was inspired to start DEPHER after he saw an elderly man being "manipulated" by another engineer.

"It got me thinking about other elderly and vulnerable people — we need to do something more to help the people who need it most," he said.

"A lot of elderly and disabled people don't like asking for assistance and if they can't afford something like fixing the boiler, they might not do it and get into trouble. We are there to take that worry away."

The company relies on donations and support from the community to keep going, with Mr Anderson having racked up about $157,851 in debt for his acts of kindness.

James Anderson has helped thousands of people in need through his company. Photo / Facebook

He is working to pay off the debt in monthly instalments and said as long as he had enough money to fill up his car he would "be there to try and help the people who need it'.

Even when funds are extremely low Mr Anderson still offers a 25 per cent discount for his services.

Hundreds of people have taken to social media to praise Mr Anderson for his selflessness.

"There are some wonderful people in this world. James is one of them," one Twitter user said.

"#James Anderson you sir are a legend, in a country filled with hate & greed your humanity shines like a beacon, massive good luck with your business you thoroughly deserve it, you haven't touch my boiler but you've given me a warm glow," another wrote.