They love a trip to the pub and a natter about gardening
Sammy Cheeseman and Irene Neary(Image: Bristol Water)
Strangers who saved each other from loneliness during the covid lockdowns are still firm friends years later – despite their 49-year age gap.
Sammy Cheeseman, 39, says her life would not be the same now without her 88-year-old friend Irene Neary, who became her unlikely companion back in 2020.
Both women found themselves living alone when the restrictions on socialising were imposed, so Sammy turned to Bristol charity The Marmalade Trust to offer her help.
The trust, based in St Pauls, connects volunteers with people suffering from loneliness by offering them support and social connection.
Sammy was matched with Irene and their first phone conversation saw them find common ground, which has since grown into weekly catch-up calls and regular trips out to cafes, shops and pubs.
Sammy, a premises officer at Bristol Water, said: “Irene and I hit it off straight away due to our shared love of gardening. She’s so ingrained in my life now, I wouldn’t know what to do without her and I know she feels the same.
Sammy Cheeseman and Irene Neary(Image: Bristol Water)
“I look after her and she looks after me. My life is better for having Irene in it – and she’s good fun to take to the pub!”
Sammy received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service for her work with the charity. The awards, which are the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary groups, celebrate the outstanding work of charities and their volunteers.
Sammy added: “It’s fantastic we have been recognised for this award. Everyone at the charity works so hard, I am very proud to be part of this.”
The pair talk every Wednesday and Irene has even accompanied Sammy on a social event with some of her Bristol Water colleagues.
Sammy Cheeseman and Irene Neary pictured during covid Christmas lockdown(Image: Bristol Water)
Irene said: “Sammy really is wonderful. She helps me with the garden and we go out to eat, I’m so glad we got matched together.
“Our friendship means so much to me, it’s made me secure as I know I’ve got someone who can help me if I need anything.”
The award was given to the Marmalade Trust in 2023, but the charity hosted its official celebration in spring 2025. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.
Marmalade Trust’s chief operating officer, Tara Fisher, said: “Receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service is a tremendous honour for the entire Marmalade Trust team, our volunteers, and the people we support.
“This award highlights the vital role of addressing loneliness and social isolation, and it’s a testament to the dedication and compassion of volunteers like Sammy who make our work possible.”