Hampers sent to isolated people at Christmas

A Devon man has praised a local charity after it presented him with a "wonderful hamper" for Christmas.

Cliff Eastman, 96, has lived on his own in Plymouth since the passing of his partner four years ago and admitted to struggling with loneliness.

Elder Tree Befriending charity currently supports more than 1,700 over 50s in Plymouth and since the pandemic has delivered hundreds of Christmas hampers.

"I'll never be able to thank them enough for this wonderful hamper that they've sent to me," Mr Eastman said.

He added: "I get a bit lonely at times and I'll be on my own for Christmas but I'm not too worried about that because I've now got this beautiful parcel.

"As an old person of 96, I've never had such a lovely hamper in my whole life.

"When the gentleman brought it through the door I just could not believe what was in there.

"I've never had such satisfaction in my life, it was absolutely wonderful."

Mr Eastman said his hamper was packed with fruit, tins of soup, biscuits, chocolate, cheese and tea, which he described as "beautiful".

Discussing his partner's death, he said: "It's been quite difficult without the company.

"I looked after her until she died because she was pretty ill so I really looked after her to the best of my ability."

The charity's CEO Louise Barnes said the hamper deliveries started during the pandemic.

She said they recognised many of their most isolated and housebound beneficiaries would be facing Christmas alone. 

"It was a real success with amazing but unexpected feedback from beneficiaries so we decided to do it every year from then on.

"This year we have delivered 160 hampers across the city."

Betty Bloomfield has also received a hamper from the charity.

"It brightens you up when you see it coming and the people who deliver it are so lovely," the 95-year-old said.

"I do really appreciate the Elder Tree people, they're lovely, all of them."

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