The Barry branch of Age Connects including the Friends and Neighbours group this week received a cheque worth over £5,000. The sum of money was raised during this year’s London Marathon, where Vale MP Alun Cairns joined 400,000 runners on the streets of the Capital for the sixth time, during which he completed the 26.2 mile course in 3 hours 36 minutes.
Age Connects including its Barry focussed sub-group, Friends and Neighbours, works towards providing services and support to thousands of elderly members of the community to help reduce the fears of isolation and loneliness which can be commonplace during old age. The charity carries out these services by encouraging older people to get out and about and meet friends, new and old, at one of the branch’s many parties, talks and day trips. In addition, the charity provides simple yet effective services such as home company, whereby a volunteer can call round for a cup of tea and a chat.
Handing over the cheque, Mr Cairns commented: “Despite the limited time I had to train for the Marathon this year, knowing I was running for Age Connects – a truly deserving charity – made me all the more determined to push on to the finish line.
“The actions – big and small – carried out by the charity and its volunteers have a priceless impact on Barry’s elderly community.
“It is all too often heart breaking to hear of the neglect and isolation the elderly members of our community face. Our elders are owed a duty of care by us all, which consists of being heard, cared for and respected. Most of all, they should be able to enjoy the later years of their life. The steps Age Connects takes in improving the quality of their lives, deserves endless credit, and it was nothing but a pleasure to have offered my support in this way.”
Lead coordinator in Barry’s branch of Age Connects, Gay Fifield, said, “We were overwhelmed to be chosen as one of Alun’s charities for this year’s London Marathon. The figure he raised was far beyond our expectations and both Age Connects and Friends & Neighbours will benefit significantly. Thank you!”
For more information on the charity and their services, , visit their website at: www.ageconnectswales.org.uk/