Family 'adopts' gran 3,500 miles away

Ann Lucas loves meeting up virtually with her friend Angela Martin in Canada

A family in Canada have "adopted" a grandmother 3,500 miles away - as part of a scheme tackling loneliness in care homes.

Ann Lucas, 83, from Nuneaton has regular video calls with Angela Martin and her family in Ontario.

The pair were matched through the charity Adopt a Grandparent, which says it brings people together to forge meaningful lasting relationships

“[Angela] likes me because I’ve got a sense of humour - she’s always laughing whenever I come out with anything,” Ms Lucas said.

Mrs Martin said she was attracted to volunteer with the charity after learning that a large number of older people do not have regular contact with friends or family members.

“Something like 200,000 older people haven’t spoken to a friend or family member in over a month,” she said.

“I thought that was heartbreaking.”

Ms Lucas is not married and her three sisters have died, but technology enabled her to establish a meaningful relationship with the Martins which she cherishes.

The pair have been chatting since July, with Ms Lucas having a deep affection for Canada as her late sister Barbara used to live there.

Ms Lucas in Nuneaton has regular chats with Ms Martin in Ontario using video conferencing

Julia Reeves, wellbeing and activities coordinator at the care home Ms Lucas lives, said she was a very social person and the regular chats were crucial.

“She really enjoys and looks forward to her conversations with Angela and her family every week,” she said.