Derbyshire Dales: Bid to cut number of OAPs killed by cold

On average, 45 elderly people die in the Derbyshire Dales every winter – just because they cannot afford to heat their home.

To offer some perspective on this figure, Derby city – which has a population nearly three times larger than the Dales – has an average of 113 elderly deaths as a direct result of the cold every year.

Despite these statistics, the Age UK shop, Bakewell, is hoping to ease the problem by donating blankets to people most at risk.

Sue Metcalf, assistant manager at the store, said: “We were thinking of how we could help people with a budget of nothing. So we decided to knit our own blankets, as well as encouraging people to donate wool or blankets they’ve knitted, which we will deliver to elderly people in the community.

“I’ve been knitting like a crazy woman recently, but anything to help I suppose.”

If you would like to help the cause – which forms part of Age UK’s national ‘Spread the Warmth’ campaign – bring blankets or wool along to the age UK store on Portland Square, Bakewell town centre.

Sue said: “This is a really big problem and we would be so grateful for any donations. Every one will really make a difference.”

For more information call the shop direct on 01629 812928.