A teenager and an elderly woman have become unlikely penpals during lockdown – despite their 72-YEAR age gap.
Eva Lane, 14, and Mary Gorton, 86, have been writing to each other since April and have exchanged several letters.
They met through a volunteering scheme when Eva wrote to a care home with a letter addressed to anyone who would reply – and Mary decided to respond.
The pair talk about anything and everything in ink – but are yet to meet in person due to coronavirus.
Mary lives in a Brunelcare facility in Fishponds, Bristol.
Eva said: “When I first wrote to Colliers Gardens I didn’t know if I would get a reply. A few weeks later, I had a letter from Mary. I was so thrilled!
“Mary and I talk about everything from arts and crafts, to the weather to what we’ve been up to at the weekend.
“There’s nothing I like more than receiving a letter from Mary in the post. Writing and receiving letters is very exciting and it’s definitely a lost art form.”
Mary added: “You’re never too old to make friends. Me and my pen pal Eva have found out that we have a lot in common, we both love arts and crafts!
“I’ve been telling her all about when I was a volunteer, and my daughter and son-in-law who both volunteer where I live.
“I always look forward to receiving her letters, and I can’t wait to finally meet her after lockdown. I think this is going to be a friend for life.”
Housing manager Julie Walker said: “Mary and Eva have formed a friendship-for-life through the Brunelcare pen pal scheme.
“The pair have been keeping in touch over the past three months and it’s just fantastic to deliver Mary her letters from Eva when they arrive in the post.
“It’s great we are able to make such a difference. We will love to welcome Eva and her mother Polly into Colliers Gardens to meet with Mary once it’s safe to do so.”