Vodafone compensates bereaved dad over bill

The telecommunications giant has now formally apologised for its b ehaviour and offered a cash olive branch to bereaved father Richard Hartwell.
Mr Hartwell branded Vodafone “insensitive and incompetent” and said he had been hounded by the firm and threatened with legal action, despite producing a death certificate for his son.
Peter Hartwell, who lived at The Haywards, Thatcham, died when he was struck by a train in the early hours of March 13.
Mr Hartwell senior, of Cottington Close, Kingsclere, said he continued to receive bills charged to his late son’s account for non-existent use in the weeks and months following his death.
Repeated visits and phone calls to Vodafone failed to resolve the matter until now..
Mr Hartwell has finally received a formal apology and assurances that his late son’s account is now closed.
While acknowledging the apology, Mr Hartwell replied to customer relations manager sarah Green: “I feel that some form of compensation should be offered by Vodafone for its shabby treatment of me and the name of my son Peter. I therefore offer Vodafone the opportunity to compensate the family by form of a voluntary contribution towards the provision of memorial to Peter’s life.
“Donations received at Peter's funeral have helped towards the provision of a unique, hand made memorial bench and table to be sited near to the place of his death at Thatcham Discovery Centre. However, these in no way cover the cost of the memorial.”
Ms Green assured him that the firm’s failings had been dealt with at the highest level and added: “I would like to confirm that Vodafone would be happy to make a one off payment of £250 towards Peter’s memorial by way of an apology for all the problems you experienced when trying to close Peter’s account.”