Transatlantic Friendship Forms Through Surrey Charity, Adopt a Grandparent
A unique and heartwarming friendship has developed between Ann Lucas, 83, a resident at Acorn Lodge care home in Nuneaton, and Angela Martin, 47, a Canadian volunteer living in Ontario. Despite being 3,500 miles apart, the pair have formed a close bond through the Adopt a Grandparent charity.
The two have been connecting regularly via video calls and letters since July 2024. Angela’s weekly calls, often joined by her husband and two children, have become a source of joy and companionship for Ann, who moved into Acorn Lodge in 2023. Originally from Shepherd’s Bush in London, Ann holds a special affection for Canada, where her sister once lived, and her virtual friendship with Angela has made her feel closer to the country she loves.
Ann said: “Talking with Angela has been truly wonderful. We got on immediately, and it feels like I’ve known her forever. Her support has been immense, and I’m deeply grateful to her and the Adopt a Grandparent charity.
Angela, in turn, treasures the relationship just as much. She was moved to join the Adopt a Grandparent programme after discovering that 200,000 older people in the UK haven’t spoken to a friend or family member in over a month. For Angela, this was a heartbreaking statistic that motivated her to act.
Angela said: “I found Adopt a Grandparent when I was looking for an opportunity for my family to volunteer. My own grandparents were the most influential people in my life, and I wanted my children to have that same opportunity to connect with seniors, hear their perspectives, and learn from their experiences.
“Meeting Ann has exceeded our expectations! We love hearing about her past, her family, and her adventures. Ann has so much spunk and always makes us laugh. She’s become such an important part of our lives, and we look forward to our weekly chats. We joined the programme hoping to help someone feel more connected, but it’s us who feel enriched by our time with her.
“I’m so pleased Adopt a Grandparent and Acorn Lodge care home made this possible. In a world where many virtual support programmes have ended, this initiative continues to foster these connections, which are more important now than ever.”
The friendship formed between Ann and Angela is a shining example of the mission of Adopt a Grandparent, a charity aimed at reducing loneliness and fostering meaningful relationships between care home residents and volunteers around the world. The initiative pairs volunteers with residents based on shared interests, creating bonds that transcend age and geography.
Shaleeza Hasham, Founder and CEO of Adopt a Grandparent, said:
“At Adopt a Grandparent, stories like the one between Ann and Angela are the very heart of why we exist. Watching their friendship flourish, despite the miles between them and their difference in age, is truly heartwarming. This is exactly what we envisioned – creating bonds that transcend distance and time.
It’s remarkable how Angela has become such a cherished part of Ann’s life, offering companionship and joy that brightens her days. Knowing that our initiative can bring such warmth, not only to Ann but also to Angela and her family, is incredibly fulfilling. This is a beautiful reminder of the magic that happens when two lives are brought together, and it reaffirms our mission to combat loneliness with love and connection.”
