Home / Health / Cancer Patient Evicted, Left to Sleep on Streets
Cancer Patient Evicted, Left to Sleep on Streets
25 Nov
Summary
- Man with terminal cancer was evicted and slept rough.
- His belongings, including cancer treatment, were seized.
- Offers of unsuitable housing have been made.
- Council claims no duty to house him due to past 'intentional homelessness'.
A 60-year-old man with terminal cancer has described feeling "more sick than ever before" after being evicted and forced to sleep rough for a month. Shaner Osman was living in temporary accommodation when Islington Council withdrew its housing duty, citing a prior 'intentionally homeless' classification due to a prison recall two years earlier. His belongings, including vital Myeloma cancer treatment and identification documents, were allegedly seized during the eviction.
Osman endured sleeping on streets, in McDonald's, and on buses, wearing the same clothes for an entire month and using nappies. This ordeal occurred despite his ongoing chemotherapy. Housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa is supporting Osman, arguing the council's decision contradicts current case law and calling the eviction inhumane, especially given medical advice.
Islington Council stated it has no statutory duty but exceeded guidelines by providing housing for nearly two years. However, Kwajo dismissed this as "PR nonsense," criticizing the council for keeping Osman in limbo. Osman has since been offered several properties deemed unsuitable due to damp, mould, or shared facilities, exacerbating his health conditions.
