EVEN on holiday in Iceland one cannot escape the terrible news of, 82-year-old, Thomas Yuill, whose remains were found in Sorrel Road, Blackbird Leys, after up to seven months.

What a couldn’t-care-less and sad society we have become. His rent not paid, no-one had seen him around.

He lived in a block of occupied flats yet not one of his neighbours kept in touch or suspected anything was wrong. The council called, when no reply, walked away.

This happens only too often to people as they become old. Another case was closely averted before last Christmas in Old Marston. An 86-year-old gentleman living on his own would have died alone if it had not been for an astute paperboy/girl, who noticed that the papers and letters were not being taken in.

Though having family in Oxford no-one called in to see him. The police were called and had to break in after a neighbour alerted them.

Apparently he had fallen over and had lain on the floor for three to four days. I was present when they took him to hospital.

Despite approaches he had resisted all assistance and help. I visited him but he would never let me in past the hall (I believe he was ashamed of the way he lived – not having thrown anything away for several years) and on one occasion was clearly confused. He did though enjoy our chats and showed it. I immediately e-mailed his doctor and someone called on him – but nothing more was done for him after that visit.

This lack of care or interest unfortunately continued, culminating in his enforced hospitalisation – but it may have been much worse.

I am glad to report that he is now doing well and at last settled in a lovely nursing home in Abingdon. He looks forward to my and my wife’s visits – so not such a recluse after all.

None of his family have yet visited!

The elderly need someone to keep an eye out for and fight their corner and I hope that the unfortunate demise of Thomas Yuill will prompt and encourage others to call on and adopt a neighbour and never let this happen again.

TONY GREENFIELD