Move to new home after terminal illness diagnosis ‘will change everything’ for Wrexham couple

Andrew and Steven Benton say moving into a two bed bungalow at Tir Coed ‘will change everything.’

The couple were among the first to receive keys to a new home at our development in Gwersyllt, Wrexham.

They have been Wales & West Housing residents for a number of years but received devastating news four years ago that Andrew was terminally ill with a brain tumour.

He had a stroke and a fall earlier this year while living at their previous home, a first floor apartment. Now they have ground level access and extra space their quality of life will improve.

“When I found out we were moving here I cried,” said Andrew.

“Being here is like winning the lottery. Our luck has not been good for the last four years but that has changed. It’s made a massive difference just being able to move around independently.”

Steven works three days a week and says he will have peace of mind in their new home.

“When I’m working I can’t always be there which limited what Andrew could do. When we were in the flat he couldn’t get out.

“Now we are on the ground floor and have a garden Andrew will be able to get outside without me worrying about him falling or tripping on any steps.”

Andrew and Steven have been together for 28 years and are planning to celebrate their 30th anniversary with a ceremony at St Giles’ Church in Wrexham in 2026.

They met in Wrexham but moved away after receiving homophobic abuse and settled in Manchester, where they lived for 17 years. They returned to Wrexham to be closer to family.

“When I found out we were moving here I cried.”

Andrew Benton, resident at Tir Coed, Gwersyllt

“I can’t believe this wonderful dream has happened,” said Andrew.

“The moving process has been absolutely fantastic, we’ve had amazing support from our housing officer.”

Alicja and Damian moved from another property in Gwersyllt to a semi-detached house in Tir Coed which is better suited to their needs.

“It will be better in every way,” said Alicja.

“My mum lives with us and Damian’s children come to stay with us regularly so we needed the extra space. We had a shared garden before but now we have our own.”

Tir Coed was built on land at the former Woodlands Farm and was completed by lead contractor Castlemead Group.

It features a mix of bungalows, houses and apartments.