An elderly and lonely gentleman who has spent 20 Christmas Days alone was given a festive surprise live on BBC Breakfast - with many viewers being moved to tears.
Seventy-eight-year-old Terrence was overcome with emotion as local students brought him a Christmas tree and decorated it, before Oldham college choir performed a carol outside his home.
In an earlier interview, the pensioner has explained how Christmas Day was “not a very good day” for many years - he would get up, make a sandwich and watch TV, reports MEN.
But this year the students were on hand to decorate his tree and “brighten up his Christmas”. Terrence was also led outside to listen to the choir sing classic carol Silent Night.
Terrence's appeared on Wednesday’s episode to discuss loneliness, and presenter Dan Walker was so moved he decided to help organise the surprise.
The emotional scenes which followed the surprise saw Terrence explained he has been on his own since his mum died 20 years ago.
“You do feel it, very much so,” he said.
But after years of loneliness, he has now taken matters into his own hands by becoming a volunteer for Age UK, doing home visits to see Nancy, 90, who has severe dementia.
“I love doing volunteering, it’s helped me so much. I used to always be on my own,” he explained.
“I am giving something back, because Age UK give me hope in the first place.”
Viewers spoke of their joy on Twitter.
One said to host Dan Walker: “You sir, are a legend. My husband and I watched this story earlier this morning and we were both in tears. You’ve made such a difference to Terence’s Christmas this year, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Merry Christmas.”
A second posted: “This is what Christmas is all about .. everyone coming together from all faiths & walks of life .. I have tears just watching how these lovely young people have made Terrance happy ... thank you.”
A third added: “That is such a beautiful video, thank you for organising such a well deserved surprise. Brings a tear to my eye.”
BBC Breakfast airs weekdays from 6am on BBC One.
