It’s one of the tragedies of the modern age: the loneliness of our elderly.
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And for 95-year-old Bill Palmer, who rang a radio DJ for comfort after becoming lonely when his wife went into a nursing home, it was no different. Except that Bill has now been inundated with offers of support from thousands of listeners.
Bill, from Southampton in the UK, called BBC Radio Solent because he was lonely and “wanted a chat”. He explained that “every day is hell” after his wife Sheila, who has dementia and colitis, was put into nursing home. He was overcome with emotion as he told DJ Alex Dyke: “I feel so alone”.
Bill only married Sheila last year after a 30 year friendship.
He was surprised when the DJ arranged for a taxi to bring the pensioner into the studio for a hug, chat, coffee, and tour around the station.
Bill told the DJ: “Alex just talking to you has made a difference. I’ve been lying on bed since last night and I got your number and I thought I would give Alex a ring and have a chat with him.”
The pensioner’s call has now been viewed 330,000 times on the station’s Facebook page and he has been overwhelmed with offers from listeners ranging from Sunday lunch to a private concert by a ukulele orchestra.
Bill phoned BBC Radio Solent. He was upset, lonely and missing his wife.Alex decided to invite him in.We sent a cab to pick him up, have a listen to what happened next.
Posted by BBC Radio Solent on Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Bill said: “Everyone has been so helpful. I’ve had offers from different people to dinner and it’s truly incredible. In a matter of a few days, it’s gone global. I’m completely overwhelmed by the kindness of people.”
