Widow felt 'absolutely exhausted' by loneliness

A widow who started visiting a cafe after craving company said that feeling lonely left her "absolutely exhausted".

Jill Rowley started coming to Age UK's The Clockhouse Cafe in Milford, Surrey, after losing her husband three years ago.

The 76-year-old has found a safe haven, a place where she knows that "people will listen to what you have to say".

"When you're on your own - really on your own - you've got no-one to talk to, no-one to feel important to, you just feel as if you're absolutely exhausted," she said.

Mrs Rowley praised the "absolutely marvellous" volunteers at the cafe and said she had "never been so happy" since starting to visit.

She said: "It's so nice to come here and know that you are welcome to come anytime, and if you've got a problem, and you want to talk to someone...then they will listen and give you the advice that you need."

Age UK has released new statistics revealing the extent of loneliness among the older generation this Christmas as part of a recently launched campaign.

According to that research, one in two, or 6.3 million people, say they don't feel the joy they once felt at Christmas time and one million people feel more isolated than compared with any other time of the year.

Mrs Rowley added: "When people pass away, you can't be bothered to bring out the decorations, you can't be bothered to get the turkey or whatever...that's when it hits you more than anything."

The Clockhouse Cafe has offered something of a reprieve, and the 76-year-old is glad she took the leap.

"Getting out was more important than sitting there like a little lemon," she added.

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