A heartbroken widow from Singleton has spoken of her distress caused by an "appalling" employee at ScS.

Rebekah Rice and her husband Andrew, who have two daughters - Lia, 14 and Bethan, 7 - visited the furniture store in Thanet on January 6 where they picked out living room furniture.

They paid a £500 deposit in store and took the remainder out on a three year payment plan.
However, just ten days later - on January 16 - Andrew, 48, suddenly passed away.

Mrs Rice, 43, said: "Andrew worked as a train driver for South Eastern and was strong, healthy and didn't drink or smoke.

"He had an enlarged heart and thinning arteries, so there was no way of knowing. It was so sudden and horrific."

The day after her husband's death, Mrs Rice rang to cancel the order, which was still in the 14 day "cooling period".

"Andrew was the breadwinner so my main concern is keeping the house.

"I called the finance company, who were wonderful, and ScS, where the man launched into re-financing plans to extend the payment period.

"He bombarded me and was so rude and obnoxious, he just wasn't listening to me.

"I began to get upset, money was an issue and it would be a constant reminder as we had chosen it together."

She continued: "The next day, he rang to say the suite hadn't started being made so offered to change the style. I, again, stressed my inability to afford it but he continued to ignore me.

"I was so upset I couldn't talk, he wasn't listening to me, so I passed the phone to my sister."

After four phone calls with the man, Mrs Rice received an email on the Thursday confirming the order cancellation and saying she would be refunded but she still didn't receive the money.

"I rang ScS again on Wednesday, January 24, to be told that the employee had gone on holiday. Although the refund had been authorised, it hadn't been processed.

"They put the refund through and I received it the very next day. I was then sent some flowers and an apology."

Mrs Rice added: "My husband’s sudden passing has been the most horrific event in my life.

"What this employee put me through was appalling. I was at the lowest point having just lost my husband and he just wasn't listening. All he was concerned about was the furniture.

"At some point I will get new furniture, but it won't be from ScS."

"Our customers are important to us, and we have already provided feedback to the team regarding Mrs Rice’s concerns.” - ScS spokeswoman

A spokeswoman from ScS said:"We were deeply saddened to hear Mr Rice had passed away and our thoughts and condolences are with Mrs Rice and his family at this sad time.

"After receiving contact from Mrs Rice and becoming fully aware of the tragic news we were keen to assist the family at this already difficult time.

She continued: "As soon as management were made aware we acted swiftly and ensured the order was cancelled and refunded.

"A member of our management team has been in touch direct with Mrs Rice to offer our deepest sympathies.

"Our customers are important to us, and we have already provided feedback to the team regarding Mrs Rice’s concerns.”