Sheffield basketball player helping lonely elderly people

An award winning Sheffield based basketball player is working closely with a charity to help combat loneliness amongst elderly people in the city.

Mike Tuck, the captain of BBL playoff champions Sheffield Sharks, has come together with Sheffield based S&4C’s to promote a 50-year-old project which sees volunteers visiting people in their own homes.

The worthy cause, which is currently supported by the Wosskow Brown Foundation, asked Mike Tuck for help in promoting volunteering as a way of reducing the loneliness faced by elderly people, and the sportsman was only too happy to assist.

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Together with one of the charity’s volunteer visitors, Gav Furness, 6ft 7in Mike visited 90-year-old Sheffield Wednesday fan Ken Brammer.

Gav said: “When Mike came round to visit, Ken was overwhelmed with his friendliness and compassion, and extremely pleased to see a different face.

“Mike spent time talking to Ken about Sheffield Sharks and was only too happy to demonstrate a few tricks with his basketball.

“The overall experience for Ken was a fantastic one and I am really grateful for his support.”

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Mike said: “It was a pleasure to go and visit Ken. Too often the elderly are left vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can have a serious effect on their health.

“To see his eyes light up when my large frame entered the room, and a smile on his face while we chatted made it all worth it.

“Great to see the elderly in Sheffield have a support system like S&4C’s.”

The charity is currently looking for people to volunteer, telephone 0114 250 5293.