A BBC Breakfast reporter was visibly moved while reading heartfelt poems written by a 94-year-old widower to his late wife, as he shared how reaching out for support transformed his life.
A Lifetime of Love Captured in Verse
Described by presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay as "the most romantic man in Yorkshire," Raymond Horsley opened up about the profound loss of his wife, Hazel, and the solace he found through charity Age UK. Sitting with BBC reporter Jayne McCubbin, Raymond shared the book of poems he penned for Hazel throughout their 58-year marriage, until her passing.
Jayne McCubbin was emotional as she flicked through the book and read aloud a verse Raymond wrote when Hazel was in hospital. "Our Spain has been cancelled but all is not lost, the catheter is out, so keep fingers crossed. If all's not right, don't cry or mourn, just think of a holiday in sunny Eastbourne," she recited.
Raymond explained, "She gave me 58 years of marriage." Jayne elaborated that Hazel was his first and only love, and in return, he gifted her his poetry for every anniversary, birthday, and Christmas.
The Power of Asking for Help
The writing stopped in 2007 when Hazel was diagnosed with cancer. Raymond penned a final, poignant poem in 2009: "After 58 years of marriage, blessed with love and care, replaced with utter loneliness now you are no longer there."
Raymond described a period of intense darkness after her death. He revealed a pivotal moment came when he changed three small words. "I said to my wife, 'I love you', but this time I said a different three words, and I said, 'I need help'," he told Jayne.
That call to Age UK marked a turning point. The charity, which supports older people with services and activities to combat loneliness, connected him with local groups in Barnsley. "Going out three times a week to these functions gives me a life that I didn't have," Raymond said. "I can guarantee it has changed my life. They've never left me."
His son Gary observed, "He was lost without [Hazel], but when you put him in a group of people, that's where he's happiest."
A Stark Backdrop of Systemic Challenges
Raymond's uplifting story contrasts sharply with a damning recent report from Age UK, which warns that older people are ‘bearing the brunt’ of a struggling health and social care system.
The report highlights that men aged 65 can expect just 10.1 years of good health, while women get 11.2 years, with outcomes worse in poorer areas. It notes a shortage of GPs relative to the growing elderly population and that fewer older people receive social care support than a decade ago.
Alarmingly, the charity found that two-thirds (67%) of 65 to 74-year-olds with common mental health conditions go untreated, rising to 78% for those aged 75 and over. Access to NHS dentistry is also a critical issue, with 16% of over-65s unable to get an appointment in the last two years.
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said the report "paints the picture of a health and care system under unprecedented pressure" and that growing inequalities "shame us as a nation."
In response, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson stated they are "determined to fix" past failures, citing plans for a National Care Service and a £4 billion funding boost for the sector.
Back in the BBC Breakfast studio, the segment concluded on a hopeful note. Thanks to the support, Raymond has begun writing poetry again. He read a new, wry poem about turning 94, ending with the line: "...and when I become 100, this is what I plan, that the lord will come to meet me and take me by the hand, into the promised land."
Hosts Jon and Sally described the footage as "gorgeous," thanking Raymond for sharing his powerful story of love, loss, and resilience with the nation.
