Bleary Rural Community

JOHN Harrison, from Bleary Young Farmers’ Club, has been selected as winner of the Age NI Personal Alarm Competition having recently nominated his grandfather, Mr Ernest Ruddock to receive the lifetime personal alarm.

The Age NI Enterprises Safe and Secure campaign promoting safety in the home for those later in life, challenged members of the Young Farmers’ Club of Ulster (YFCU) from across Northern Ireland to consider how a personal alarm could help older family members of neighbours close to them.

John Harrison, who lives in Waringstown said: “When I first read about the Age NI Personal Alarm Competition, I thought it would be perfect for my grandfather. Although he faces his own health problems, he maintains a forward looking and progressive view on life.

“He also cares for my grandmother so in fact, I realised that the alarm would be a potentially great asset for them.

“Not only that, but the personal alarm will be very useful for my immediate family for our own peace of mind.

“We will now be at the end of a call should assistance be required and I would like to thank Mr Warwick and Age NI Enterprises for this fantastic competition and prize.”

Ron Warwick, general manager of Age NI Enterprises said: “I am delighted to announce John Harrison as winner of the Age NI Personal Alarm Competition.

“His heartfelt entry nominating his grandfather, Mr Ernest Ruddock was certainly deserving of the prize and I would like to congratulate him on his effort.

“Our highest priority is to give older people peace of mind when in their homes, which naturally extends to their families.

“Through the use of a personal alarm, vital help can be summoned immediately should anything out of the ordinary occur.”

The Age NI Personal Alarm Service provides help at the touch of a button by connecting a customer with a dedicated Response Centre, staffed round the clock.

“The service is used by over 40,000 people across the UK and helps make them feel reassured about their safety and security at home.

“Importantly, it also gives family and friends peace of mind about their loved ones living at home.

The alarm system operates a two-way speech link to enable the person who has raised the alarm to talk to an operator within seconds.

The operator can then contact the chosen key holder – a friend, neighbour or relative – who will visit and offer assistance.

If there is no contact available, the emergency services will be contacted. The alarm is lightweight and can be worn around the neck or on the wrist.

It is waterproof so can be worn at all times whether in the bathroom, kitchen and garden.

“This service is helping to enhance the lives of people in later life and I know that this will be of great use to Mr and Mrs Ruddock and their wider family,” Mr Warwick added.

William Wilson, president of the YFCU said: “I am very pleased that one of our young farmers, John Harrison from Bleary YFC has been selected as winner of the Age NI Personal Alarm Competition.

“So many of our members have older relatives or neighbours living in their local communities and with many of them living alone, it is vitally important that we take the time to look after them – well done to John for taking this opportunity to do so.”