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This Morning will this year raise vital funds for Age Concern with their ‘Help the Elderly’ Christmas Appeal‚ supporting the charity’s important work with older people across the country.

Richard Briers and Christopher Biggins are among the celebrities who will appear on the ITV programme to support the appeal and discuss their personal connection to Age Concern and older people.

The fortnight-long appeal will focus on the loneliness and isolation‚ which are so widespread that two million older people have symptoms of depression. The appeal will also cover related issues such as poverty‚ getting social care‚ and depression‚ within a series of films featuring older people affected by these issues.

The charity’s work to help combat these problems through day centres‚ befriending schemes‚ IT tuition and information and advice will also be profiled. The help and emotional support that Age Concern provides can make all the difference during difficult times for many vulnerable and isolated older people.

One lucky group of older people will receive a very special surprise when the This Morning team award them a much needed donation to renovate their dilapidated day centre. This Morning will also be showing viewers how they can get involved with Age Concern’s work volunteering on local projects.

Phillip Schofield and Fern Britton said:

“We are very excited about the number of older people we will be able to support through our ‘Help the Elderly’ Christmas Appeal.  Christmas is often a lonely time for many older people so please support us by donating and helping to raise lots of money for older people in the UK.”

Walter Blake‚ 88‚ from Kent‚ who features in an appeal film said:

“I attend my Age Concern day centre every Monday and Friday without fail. It’s my lifeline‚ enabling me to get out the flat‚ meet friends and socialise. I’d encourage everyone to donate to the This Morning appeal to ensure our day centre can stay open and continue helping other older people like me.”

Gordon Lishman‚ Director General of Age Concern England‚ said:

“It’s very exciting that This Morning has selected Age Concern as the recipient charity for their Christmas Appeal 2008! It offers us a great way to highlight the importance of the work we do and to raise funds that are vital to carry out the services we provide.”

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Notes to editors

1. This Morning’s ‘Help the Elderly’ Christmas Appeal will launch on December 1 and run until December 12. This Morning is on ITV‚ weekdays at 10.30am.
2. A picture of Philip Schofield and Fern Britton supporting the Christmas appeal is available from the Age Concern press office.
3. To find out Information about the This Morning Christmas Appeal and how to donate please visit the Help the Elderly appeal website.
4. ‘Down but not out’‚ August 2008‚ Age Concern.
5. High street bank Abbey has agreed to help take donations of which every penny will go to Age Concern and as an added bonus they will give five pence for every pound donated (up to a maximum of £10‚ 000).
6. Age Concern is the largest organisation in the UK working for older people. Everyday we are in touch with thousands of older people‚ enabling them to make more of life. Our services include information and advice‚ befriending‚ day centres‚ lunch clubs‚ transport services‚ home visits‚ and advocacy services. More information can be found on our website: www.ageconcern.org.uk.

Media Contact:
Vicky Smith
Telephone:  
0208 765 7513
Out of office hours:
07071 243 243
Email:
media@ace.org.uk