A Wiltshire mother is fearing for her life after suffering from extreme face swelling after long periods in her home.

Kate Hargreaves has lived in Foxglove Way, Calne, for eight years, but she and her 10-year-old son Harrison have suffered with severe health issues since 2020.

This includes noticeable swelling to their faces, closed throats, raspy breathing, and coughing.

Ms Hargreaves also suffers from serious fatigue and at one point her symptoms were so bad a paramedic mistakenly thought she suffered a stroke.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The house in Foxglove Way and Kate's facial swelling (inset)

The mum of one is convinced the problems stem from damp in her home, and believes the cause was wall cavity insulation work carried out incorrectly, something strongly refuted by landlord Sovereign.

She said: “It’s an allergic response to the poison we are constantly breathing in, it’s slowly getting worse and now we can’t even sleep in our bedrooms, we live downstairs on the sofa.

“I’ve got all these difficulties and I just want my house to not make me poorly, it impacts my whole life and it’s scary.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Ms Hargreaves normally compared to when her face swells, which she says happens during prolonged periods in the propertyMs Hargreaves normally compared to when her face swells, which she says happens during prolonged periods in the property (Image: Kate Hargreaves)“It’s the most ridiculous scenario, my house is going to kill me, but nobody wants to help.”

Multiple GP letters agreed her symptoms seem to “directly relate” to spending time at home and that there were “no other apparent triggers.”

As a result, Ms Hargreaves is forced to leave the property for long periods every day.

An IAQ Home Survey test in July found “high” levels of formaldehyde in the property which could cause “health issues.”

Two earlier tests indicated the levels were “elevated” and “moderate”, and Ms Hargreaves was informed this was “normal.”

Sovereign insists checks have been repeatedly carried out on the house and revealed no issues with the cavity wall or the air in the home.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Ms Hargreaves believes there is evidence of mould inside her wallsMs Hargreaves believes there is evidence of mould inside her walls (Image: Kate Hargreaves)Matt Hensby, assistant director for localities, said: "We have visited our customer’s home repeatedly to investigate reports of damp and mould and issues with air quality, including on our most recent visit in August 2023.

“Two intrusive surveys have been carried out to check the cavity wall insulation. Each found that it had been installed correctly and there is no evidence of failure, or damp or mould throughout the home.

“Air quality tests have also been carried out by third-party specialists, which all returned normal readings. 

“The local authority previously advised us they have no concerns regarding the property either.”

“We completed a roof repair earlier this year and if any new concerns are reported which haven't been previously investigated, we will look into them thoroughly."