A festive fundraising bash will be held at a Bermondsey pub to make sure elderly people aren’t alone on Christmas Day.
Phil Burkett, of Bermondsey Beat, and Natasha Nicholls, whose family runs the Stanley Arms, have organised the event at the pub in Southwark Park Road.
The annual party raises money for Bermondsey Care for the Elderly, which arranges for older people in the community to be picked up from their homes on Christmas Day and treated to a four-course meal and entertainment in the Robens Suite at the top of Guy’s Tower.
“The most important thing they get is some company because come about 3pm on Christmas Day, when we are loosening our trousers and watching the Queen’s speech, an elderly person in Bermondsey is putting their meal in the microwave,” said Mr Burkett.
“I’ve just got this picture of them on their own and it breaks my heart to think that this can happen at this time of year so over the last few years I’ve tried to help towards the fundraising side to help the charity.
“I’m just trying to make a slight difference so Bermondsey’s elderly aren’t on their own.”
The fundraising party will be held at the Stanley Arms from 8pm on Saturday, December 2.
There will be entertainment from a DJ, as well as a raffle and an auction.
Tickets can be bought for £5 on the door.
Anyone who wishes to donate a prize for the raffle or auction can drop them off at the Stanley Arms.
Donations can also be made by writing a cheque to Bermondsey Care for the Elderly.