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	I like many people I was deeply touched to read of the advert placed in a newspaper by pensioner James Gray.</p>
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	The 85-year-old has lived in London for most of his long life and took out the ad so he could find someone to have dinner with on Christmas Day.</p>
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	He said that after 10 years, he couldn&#39;t bear to spend another Christmas alone. &quot;This time of year is so hard if you are old and alone because it feels like everybody else around you is enjoying themselves,&quot; he said.</p>
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	<strong>TOUCHING</strong><br />
	There was something touching and sad about this lonely old man&#39;s plea. I can&#39;t think of anything worse than to be on your own on December 25.</p>
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	Thankfully James Gray got a great response. People have reached out and offered to spend time with him.</p>
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	But his story highlights a very important issue. For every James Gray there are hundreds of elderly people in this country who will be alone this Christmas.</p>
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	Many of them might be too proud to ask for company and many may not have anyone to ask. But you can rest assured that the vast majority would love to have someone call to them or even call them on the phone, this Christmas.</p>
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	If you can reach out to an elderly neighbour in the coming days do so.</p>
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	It may not take much time but it would be one of the best things you&#39;ll do all year.</p>
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	http://www.herald.ie/opinion/columnists/gerry-ocarroll/visiting-an-elderly-neighbour-can-be-the-best-gift-29850019.html</p>
