A recent petition to reunite an elderly couple who were forced to live apart received more than 21,000 signatures in a matter of days thanks to a heartfelt online campaign.
The couple from South Tyneside, Jessie (88) and Ray (95), who have been together for 70 years were recently told they would not be able to stay in the same care home following an assessment process by local authorities.
Ray, who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease, was taken into care after his wife Jessie was admitted to hospital following a fall.
The petition was launched soon after, as the family were told that Jessie would be expected to return to their marital home alone following an assessment which stated that she did not fit the criteria to join Ray at Westoe Grange Care Home.
Inhumane Treatment
The Change.org page titled ‘End the inhumane treatment of an elderly couple’ was set up by the couple’s grandson, Lee Bates. The petition, addressed to Martin Swales, Chief Executive of South Tyneside Council and John Pearce, Corporate Director of Children’s and Adult’s Health, stated that the decision by social services was “inhumane and cruel”.
In the petition, Mr Bates states: “My grandfather sits and waits for her everyday – confused, anxious and lonely without the woman who has been by his side for 70 years. My grandmother misses her husband terribly and still wants to do what she can to care for him – even if it’s just sitting by his side holding his hand.”
The petition instantly gained momentum as the nation were touched by the heartbroken couple, receiving 20,000 signatures in just 3 days. Messages of support flooded in from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Confused, anxious and lonely without the woman who has been by his side for 70 years
Since then, South Tyneside Council has since announced that the couple will be permitted to live together.
Making a Difference
In a petition update, Mr. Bates announced: “You did it! I wonder if 22,000 signatures and shares helped! Thank you all for your time and your comments.
You made a massive difference to the quality of life of two elderly people who can now spend the rest of their days together!”
