Lockdown tales:
Faced with weeks on her own in isolation, Helen Rimmel found an unusual BFF – and doesn’t mind that she’s a complete airhead!
“My blow-up doll has stopped me feeling lonely”
Photographer Helen Rimmel usually goes out at least four evenings a week with friends. So when lockdown began, she was worried she’d struggle being on her own in her London flat for weeks on end.
But a chance encounter inspired a solution to her loneliness. Helen, 39, was out for her walk a week into lockdown when she came across a blow-up doll at the side of the path.
LOTS OF ADVENTURES
She says, “I spotted a sex doll and, for some reason, she captured my imagination. I christened her Gladys and decided she’d had an owner called Bob who’d dumped her. I went back the next night and she was still there.
“I felt rather sorry for her – but it also triggered an idea. I could have a blow-up doll to keep me company – I realise it sounds bonkers, but I thought it would be fun! I knew my friends wouldn’t be surprised. I’m known as the quirky one in my group. I love vintage clothes and I always wonder what the history is behind the dresses I wear and if there is a love story behind them. To me, getting a doll was another story to tell!
“Plus, I’d been worried about being on my own and lonely, as I’m so used to being out and about with my mates. I didn’t have anyone else to spend time with during lockdown. I’m in the very early stages of a relationship, so it was too soon to move in together.
“My family live in Wales and I considered going there, but then I got sick so couldn’t.
“But getting a blow-up doll seemed like the perfect idea. At least I didn’t have to worry about us arguing!”
The next day Helen spent £15 on a doll online. She says,
“I couldn’t believe how excited I was when she arrived two days later. I blew her up immediately and named her Gladys in honour of the abandoned doll!”
Since then, Gladys has been by Helen’s side constantly and they’ve had lots of adventures.
She says, “She’s the ideal companion – she never complains and we’ve done so much together already.
“On her first evening, we got dressed up and had cocktails. She’s a bit smaller than me but I put her in my shortest dresses. I always iron both of our clothes so we look smart and it’s fun making sure we have coordinating outfits.”
SUSPECTED CORONAVIRUS
Shortly after Gladys arrived, Helen was struck down with suspected coronavirus.
She says, “I started having symptoms such as tiredness and a cough. Rather than worry, though, I was relieved that I had Gladys to keep me company.
“I decided she could be my nurse, so I put her in a white dress – the closest thing I have to a nurse’s uniform – and set her up with a flannel to mop my fevered brow. It cheered me up, having ‘someone’ else there.”
Helen was bedridden for
the next few days, but as she recovered, she started planning more things to do with Gladys.
She recalls, “To start with, we stayed close to home, sipping drinks on the balcony and admiring the sunset and the river view from my flat.
“But when I felt better, I decided it was time for her to go out and about. She’s come to the post office with me to send presents to friends, and joined me on trips to the supermarket. We get a few odd looks, but a lot of people have smiled and have started chatting to us!
“When I went out without her before, people would just ignore me. Now, she sparks conversations wherever I go, as she is such a talking point and people want to know about my friend. People love that she’s keeping me company – though, obviously, they just admire her from a two-metre distance!”
As well as errands, the pair also bake together and watch TV. Helen says, “Gladys never argues with my choice of film – she’s the perfect friend.”
Helen regularly posts what she and Gladys are up to on social media.
She says, “My friends love following our antics. And the bloke I’d just started seeing finds it hilarious.
REASSURING
“But seriously, since Gladys arrived, I’ve never been lonely.
“I chat away to her, even though I know I can’t expect a reply – it’s reassuring to know she’s around.
“When we went into lockdown, I never imagined it would last this long. I think Gladys has made it much easier for me – she’s stopped me from feeling deflated! She sleeps in the spare bed as I don’t want to squash her.
“I’m very glad I’ve got Gladys. She’ll always be very special to me, even after the pandemic is over. She’ll continue to live with me, and my friends can’t wait to meet her. I’ll make sure she comes to the pub for cocktails with us. She’s been the perfect lockdown companion!”