Gaynor’s 71-year-old partner Pete lives in Barry while she is based some distance away in West Wales. When the Coronavirus crisis lockdown commenced, ensuring that Pete could obtain necessary groceries and medications was a great concern for Gaynor.

Gaynor explains: ‘My partner Pete lives in Barry and I live in West Wales.  He lives alone, is diabetic, epileptic and had a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) 18 months ago.

‘When lockdown commenced, I was very concerned as Pete needed weekly shopping with which I was unable to help. I contacted the Vale of Glamorgan Council and was advised to get in touch with Age Connects Cardiff & the Vale. I did, and they quickly came to the rescue. 

‘When I rang the charity and left a message they got back to me immediately.

I spoke to Nicola, who was very helpful and understanding when I explained the situation. Nicola arranged for weekly shopping support immediately.

‘The weekly procedure is all very straightforward. I email Pete’s shopping order to Nicola who passes it to a volunteer for collection and delivery. Originally it was Age Connects staff member Gary who delivered the weekly shop but now that he’s returned to other duties at the charity, volunteer Sue is our valued lifeline. 

‘The day following each shopping delivery, I get a call from Karen at Age Connects and make a payment over the telephone. It really couldn’t be easier – the whole system has worked very successfully from that very first phone call to the charity and it’s been such a relief.

‘I am so thankful for this service – it’s provided invaluable peace of mind for myself, for Pete’s daughter who also doesn’t live locally and, most importantly, for Pete himself.

‘I would recommend the service to anyone in a similar situation during these current very difficult times.

‘Thank you so much to all concerned – keep up the good work.’