A lonely RAF veteran living in Suffolk has been given support and companionship through the RAF Association's Connections for Life service, following the death of his wife.
Former Chief Technician Geoff Garbett left the RAF in the 1970s after 28 years' service, and settled in Ipswich with his wife, Margaret, and their sons, Nigel and Neil.
Geoff and Margaret enjoyed decades of happy retirement together, but when Margaret was diagnosed with dementia. Geoff became her carer, and soon realised he needed support.
Geoff said:
"I first learned of the RAF Association's Connections for Life service after reading an article in the charity's magazine, Air Mail. Because of Margaret's condition, I felt I could do with some support, so I asked them if I could meet a befriender."
Sergeant Seth Andrews, who is stationed at nearby RAF Honington, became a befriender after receiving training from the RAF Association. He was introduced to Geoff before Christmas 2017, and they connected immediately.
Seth said:
"The volunteering scheme had always interested me, precisely because it would mean helping veterans like Geoff. We met up and went for coffee in Ipswich, and our shared interest in the RAF meant we were instantly on the same wavelength.
"The dementia awareness training I received as part of my befriender course meant I was able to be supportive when I met Margaret, and to understand what she and Geoff were going through."
Margaret died in February 2019, leaving Geoff even more isolated. Seth began meeting him more often, and helped him get more active in his community.
" I've encouraged Geoff to join local clubs and to take up swimming again. I've even been able to help him get back into collecting tropical fish, by cleaning out his fish tank."
Geoff said:
"Seth's been brilliant, especially since Margaret died. He's been helping me to keep busy, and thanks to him I now have seven freshwater fish in my front room to keep me company.
"We're planning a visit to Duxford airfield together soon. I was stationed there for a while nearly 40 years ago, and I look forward to seeing how much it's changed, and to telling Seth about my time there."
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