Canada family ‘adopts’ Nuneaton gran 3,500 miles away

Mrs Martin said she was attracted to volunteer with the charity after learning that a large number of older people do not have regular contact with friends or family members.

“Something like 200,000 older people haven’t spoken to a friend or family member in over a month,” she said.

“I thought that was heartbreaking.”

Ms Lucas is not married and her three sisters have died, but technology enabled her to establish a meaningful relationship with the Martins which she cherishes.

The pair have been chatting since July, with Ms Lucas having a deep affection for Canada as her late sister Barbara used to live there.