Sorted, well almost.

The boilerman came in and serviced and sorted the boiler. So we have heat ! The boiler was actually fine, it was this little silver box, containing a valve which was the problem. Going to need a new one. 
Dad popped in briefly, to get some change for a parking meter ! Rang the parents later, Dad had got home safely & they were waiting on their first ever online food delivery, think I was more excited than they were about it. At least its a start, in preparation for the winter, for when they don't fancy going out to food shop. We'll see.