Chris and Georgia | A Friendship That Spans Generations Through Adopt A Grandparent

At Adopt A Grandparent, we believe that true friendships can blossom in the most unexpected ways. Chris, a resident at The White House Nursing Home in Surrey, has always preferred the quiet comfort of a good book over group activities. But everything changed when he was matched with Georgia, one of our dedicated volunteers.

Chris was born in 1944 in India, where his father served in the Indian Army. His early experiences shaped many of his stories, and when he discovered that Georgia had travelled to India, their first conversation was instantly filled with shared memories and mutual appreciation for the country’s rich culture.

For Georgia, 31, joining Adopt A Grandparent was deeply personal. Having never had the chance to know her own grandparents, she wanted to build a meaningful connection. She and Chris quickly discovered they had more in common than they expected. Georgia, a passionate classic car enthusiast, was thrilled when Chris showed an interest in her 1929 Ford, sparking engaging conversations about automobiles, engineering, and how cars have evolved over time.

But the most touching part of their friendship has been Chris’s memories of his late wife, Sue. He often shares the story of how they met at a Kingston Hospital dance—Sue was a nurse, and he had gate-crashed the event. Chris credits Sue for his happiness, describing their life together as full of love and laughter. Listening to his reflections on love, resilience, and gratitude has been an inspiration for Georgia, who says his words have given her a new perspective on life.

Their shared love of literature and food has further strengthened their bond. Both are avid readers and have enjoyed discussing everything from classic novels to the Famous Five series, a childhood favourite for them both. And when it comes to food, they both have a passion for home-cooked prawn curries, often swapping stories about their favourite meals.

For Chris, who previously preferred to spend his time alone, these conversations have become a highlight. Emily Paton, Home Liaison Administrator at The White House Nursing Home, has seen the impact first-hand:

"Chris has always been independent, preferring the company of books to large social gatherings. Since his pairing with Georgia, we’ve noticed a real change – he is more engaged, enthusiastic, and eager to share his stories. It has been wonderful to see how much he enjoys these interactions."

For Georgia, the experience has been just as special. Reflecting on why she joined Adopt A Grandparent, she shared:

"It breaks my heart to know that so many older people experience loneliness. I wanted to do something to change that. Listening to Chris talk about his life, his love for Sue, and his many experiences has been incredibly special. I feel lucky to have this opportunity to learn from him and to build this connection."

At Adopt A Grandparent, we are proud to foster intergenerational relationships that bring joy, companionship, and purpose to both residents and volunteers. Every match is carefully made to ensure compatibility, creating opportunities for shared storytelling, laughter, and genuine friendship.

Shaleeza Hasham, our Founder and CEO, explains why these connections matter so much:

"Growing up in a care home, I was surrounded by older people who became my adopted grandparents. Their stories, wisdom, and kindness shaped who I am today. Chris and Georgia’s friendship is a perfect example of the impact that companionship can have. It’s not just about reducing loneliness, it’s about giving people a renewed sense of purpose, laughter, and human connection. This is what Adopt A Grandparent is all about."

Chris and Georgia’s story is just one of many that show how life-changing a simple conversation can be. With every new pairing, we continue to prove that age is no barrier to friendship.

If you’d like to get involved or support our mission, visit www.adoptagrandparent.org.uk.