Caring dad sets up group to help elderly
Facebook page aims to harness people power
NIKI TENNANT
A Cambuslang dad was so touched by the neighbourly concern shown to his elderly mother in London that he has reached out to others in his adoptive hometown to help share the love during coronavirus uncertainties.
John Quigley-Nicholson, a native of London, set up home in Cambuslang 11 years ago with wife, Jen.
When baby Daniel, a little brother to six-year-old Anna, was born eight months ago, the couple decided to take time out of their busy professional lives to focus on family.
When the enormity of the virus’ impact hit home, John set up a Facebook page called Cambuslang Cares last week in the hope of matching people who have the capacity to help with elderly and vulnerable local residents who so desperately need a helping hand.
John explained: “My mum is 79 and lives on her own in London.
“I was really touched when her downstairs neighbours offered to help her.
“There are not many people left of the generation who remember and lived through the war and, in this day and age, we are all very cautious not to step on anyone’s toes and be perceived to be interfering.
“But when the chips are down, as they are now, it is much more serious and hopefully older people who are offered it will take the help in the spirit it is given.”
The Cambuslang Cares Facebook page reaches out to the relatives and friends of elderly and vulnerable people who cannot provide the back-up they would otherwise like to offer due to working constraints or child care responsibilities.
John said: “It is a bridging page between those who can help and those who need help.
“Older people like my mum do not grasp Facebook and social media – they need it but don’t know how to access it. We are fortunate to be in a position where we have the time to help.
“Hopefully, once the page takes off, it will become selffulfilling.”
The 43-year-old added: “Maybe you know someone round the corner who could be doing with a hand, but you have to work.
“By joining, you can do as much or as little as you can.
“Since setting it up, we’ve noticed that there are a lot of others who have done similar things and that is heartwarming to see.”