A "PRECIOUS" relationship has blossomed in West Fife as a local charity's befriending service has worked a treat.

LinkLiving paired up Alison Gray, a retired teacher and lecturer from Dunfermline, with Glenys, an older woman living in Dalgety Bay.

The 81-year-old moved to Fife a number of years ago to be closer to her son but, due to her sight loss, she found socialising and going out difficult.

Sometimes weeks passed without her leaving the house and when she did go out, she became anxious and at times found herself lost and disorientated.

Glenys became withdrawn and spent the majority of her time in her home; the only people she had contact with were her son, who would visit occasionally, and the staff from meals on wheels.

The isolation led eventually to depression.

She was referred to LinkLiving by Fife Forum who identified the main issue was social isolation and loneliness.

After carrying out an assessment, a potential volunteer, Alison, was identified and a match meeting was scheduled.

The meeting took place at Glenys' home where she was introduced to Alison.

It was agreed that they would meet once a week in her home to chat, sing together and reminisce about their younger days; over time they found out more about each other and their relationship blossomed. They realised that they had the same interests, hobbies and enjoyed similar pastimes.

When it was nice weather they would venture out to the parks and visit local attractions and events and on occasion would go for coffee or lunch.

The befriending relationship has lasted, and both have become fond of each other.

Glenys, 81, said: "Before, I wouldn’t go out of the house – I was scared that I would fall or get lost – now I feel like I can go anywhere with Alison, now I enjoy going to the local cafe and visiting the park and the shops, so much has changed around me I feel like I can keep up now and it’s something to look forward to, it's precious.

“We don’t stop laughing; we have the same sense of humour and can talk for hours – it’s like we have known each other for years."

For Alison, she told the Press that the experience had been incredibly fulfilling.

"I can say that it has been an honour," she said.

"It's so enriching. She's an incredible woman with so many amazing stories to tell.

"I love doing this and have recommended it to others as I've told them how stimulating it is for both parties."

To find out more about LinkLiving's Older Persons' Service, visit: www.linkliving.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/ or call: 0330 303 0302