A lonelyelderly man who previously broke hearts on BBC Breakfast when he revealed he had spent his last 20 Christmases alone has been serenaded by hundreds of people with his favourite carol.
Earlier this week, 78-year-old Terrence, from Oldham, appearance on the talk show where he opened up about experiencing loneliness during the Yuletide season.
The pensioner’s story had such an emotional impact that the next day, television presenter Dan Walkersurprised him at his home with a Christmas tree, put up by students from Oldham College, and a performance of his favourite carol, “Silent Night”, by members of the college’s choir.
However, that was not the last of the surprises left in store for Terrence, who had been overcome by emotion during the morning television segment.
On Thursday evening, Terrence was invited by John Barrowman to attend the entertainer’s Fabulous Christmas Tour show at Sheffield City Hall.
During the evening, Barrowman’s audience of hundreds treated the elderly man to a special performance of “Silent Night”, holding their smartphones high to create a spine-tingling ambience.
In a video filmed during the carol’s rendition, Terrence stands as he absorbs the stirring moment, holding his hand in front of his mouth in awe.
At one point, Barrowman’s voice can be heard booming over the masses, as he sings the lyrics: “Christ, the Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour is born.”
BBC Breakfast revealed on Twitter that viewers can learn more about Terrence’s attendance at the show during the morning show on Monday 16 December.
Walker also shared the video on social media, tweeting: “However you feel after the #GeneralElection this morning I’m pretty sure we can all unite around this.”
Several people expressed their joy over the compassion Terrence has received in the lead-up to Christmas.
“It’s honestly too much. The most heartwarming story to end the year,” one person tweeted.
“Absolutely brilliant! We all need to be aware, all year, to look around us and give time to those who need a moment of kindness,” another said.
According to Age UK, more than 200,000 elderly people are expected to spend Christmas alone this year.
The charity’s research revealed that more than three-quarters of people over the age of 65 believe the first Christmas after losing someone you love is the hardest, with up to 170,000 older people soon to face their first Christmas without their spouse.
“Getting older brings new challenges – receiving a life-threatening diagnosis like dementia, losing the person who’s been your rock your whole life or struggling to manage the stairs in the only place that feels like home,” said Age UK ambassador Dame Helen Mirren.
“To make matters worse, so many who are struggling have nobody to help them.”
For confidential advice or information on money, health or care for the elderly, you can contact Age UK by calling 0800 678 1602. Alternatively, you can send an email to contact@ageuk.org.uk.
