Coronavirus: Man asks strangers to send widowed grandmother letters of support

'I’m trying to show her that she’s not alone right now and that she has something to look forward to,' says Zac France

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the UK has been placed on lockdown with the most vulnerable members of society – those aged over 70 and with underlying health conditions – asked to self-isolate for up to three months.

While such measures are vital in protecting those at high risk from becoming unwell, the move is expected to see an increase in loneliness among the elderly, particularly those who live alone.

Zac France’s grandmother, Sheila, is just one of many elderly people who are currently self-isolating on their own, following the recent death of her husband, Reginald Stanley.

Due to government restrictions, Sheila, who has lupus, is having to stay at home without any physical contact with her family while also dealing with the grief of losing her loved one.

In a bid to help his grandmother, France, who is from Cheltenham but currently living in China, has launched a public appeal for strangers to send her letters of support during lockdown.

“So my gdads funeral has been cancelled and mum & gma told they can't attend the cremation now also [sic],” France wrote.

“Grandma is in isolation by herself after losing her husband with nobody.

“Was wondering if anyone would be willing to send her letters so she knows she's not alone? Pls retweet [sic].”

A number of Twitter users have already replied to France and offered to write to his grandmother over the coming weeks.

(Zac France)

"I'll write to your nan, DM me her address - we'll all make sure she has company!" one person commented.

Another added: "Ah zac that’s awful. So so sorry about this. I’d love to send her a letter."

The rugby player also opened up about how helpless he feels living so far away on his blog, titled Life in China, writing: “So now, my grandma goes into isolation, having lost her husband. Unable to see anyone. I can’t comfort her. I can’t go home. I feel helpless.”

France added that he hopes to hold an online memorial for his grandfather, after his family were told they would be unable to attend in person due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“I’ve had an idea that I’m going to hold an online memorial for friends and family on Skype or zoom. Tell stories we have,” he wrote.

“It’s killing me that people aren’t taking the virus seriously. If people had. Maybe the my grandma would be able to say goodbye to her husband, my grandad.”

Speaking to the Metro, France added that he hopes his appeal will mean his grandmother can feel less lonely during isolation.

“‘My grandma and grandad were together forever,” he said.

“I’m just trying to get people to send her some cards to show her that she’s not alone right now and that she has something to look forward to.”