Kindness saves the day

The kindness of strangers resulted in a happy outcome to what could have been a serious problem for a Pontesbury lady just before Christmas.

The lady, who wishes to remain anonymous, returned home after attending an Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin day centre near Pontesbury, and was unable to find her house key. Volunteer driver John Rice, together with Evelyn Arthur, another day centre attendee, searched the outside of her property for some time to no avail before reporting the incident to Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s Shrewsbury office.

Emma Wilde, our Senior Day Services Coordinator, quickly determined that no locksmith was immediately available and decided that given the lateness of the day, the rural location, and with no family members living nearby, alternative arrangements needed to be made to accommodate the lady for the night.

In the meantime, Brenda Pryce, who had also attended the day centre that day, kindly welcomed both ladies into her home, for warmth and refreshments.

Emma contacted Cliffdale Residential Care Home in Pontesbury, who immediately offered the lady a bed for the night, and most generously, without charge.

Tammy Hanmer, Manager at Cliffdale, was only too pleased to help: ‘What a time for something like this to happen! It was a pleasure to meet this lovely lady and help take away some of the stress of the situation, especially at Christmas.’

Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin offered heartfelt thanks to all those involved: ‘The kindness of strangers never ceases to amaze me but is a heartening reminder, especially today, that charity is alive and well. Huge thanks to John Rice, Evelyn Arthur, Brenda Pryce, Tammy Hanmer (Manager) and Julia Dean-Richards (senior staff member on duty) at Cliffdale Residential Care Home and Emma for all their efforts in helping this lady and keeping her safe.’