AS Christmas approaches and the cold weather sets in, my thoughts often turn to older people in our community who are alone.

Now, perhaps more than any other time of the year, I feel incredibly fortunate that I can surround myself with a marvellous support network of family and friends. They remind me how blessed I am and how much I have to look forward to.

But a recent survey commissioned by the British Gas Help the Aged Partnership revealed more than a million older people across the country are acutely isolated. With whom do these older people share memories, laugh and plan for the future? These things are fundamental to my happiness as well as being such an important part of Christmas celebrations; without them it would be a bleak existence indeed.

This year, I have turned my concerns into something practical by supporting the British Gas Help the Aged Partnership's Alone at Christmas appeal. Funds raised from the appeal will be used to support day centres, minibuses and other community projects. These projects will give older people the opportunity to socialise with others, not only at Christmas, but throughout the year.

I encourage you to support this appeal with me. Even the smallest contribution will make an enormous difference to the everyday lives of older people. Perhaps more importantly, it will give many older people something more than memories of being alone at Christmas to look forward to in the future.

To make a contribution to this important appeal, please contact 020 7239 1983 or write to Sian Moody, Help the Aged, FREEPOST LON 13041, PO Box 203, London, N1 9BR. Cheques can be made out to Help the Aged.

Thank you and merry Christmas.

HONOR BLACKMAN

On Behalf of Help the Aged

London