Boy, 14, strikes up friendship with 77-year-old

A teenager and a septuagenarian have struck up a friendship thanks to a charity's scheme to reduce loneliness among the elderly.

Daniel, 14, met 77-year-old Linda through the Adopt a Grandparent project and spent several months speaking to her on the phone.

The pair finally met for the first time in person in an emotional encounter at Acorn Lodge care home in Nuneaton earlier this month.

Linda said despite the 63-year gap, they were "no barriers to do with age" between them.

Adopt a Grandparent was founded in 2019 by Shaleeza Hasham who wanted to take action to " abolish loneliness amongst the older and younger communities".

The project initially focused on encouraging local people to "adopt" a grandparent in care homes and make regular visits to spend quality time together.

But Daniel, who lives in London, was matched with Linda as part of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and because they had shared interests.

He said he felt speechless after their meeting on 7 May.

"[It's] absolutely unbelievable. It's incredible, I can't even speak right now," said the teen, who arrived with flowers.

Linda told the BBC she thought the scheme was a way to bring "different generations together" and her friendship with Daniel was "extremely special".

"Unfortunately my grandchildren live in Australia, so I only get to see them at certain times," she said.

"[Daniel] is a very, very pleasant person and sometimes when you're feeling bit low all you need is someone to speak to.

"But in my case I got everything all in one package, so I feel quite privileged actually. He's very natural, there's no barriers to do with age."

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