Mathew was in despair when Tom, his partner of 53 years, died in 2019. 

“I was completely alone and totally unprepared for Tom’s death. It shattered my life when he died,” he said. “I just couldn’t, and still can’t, get used to the loneliness.

“We were never really into the gay scene and I don’t have any friends close by. That’s why Rainbow Call Companions is so fantastic. The calls really brighten my life. We talk about all kinds of things, religion, current affairs, whatever. The calls are really helping me turn my life around and Stephen has become a friend.”

Mathew, 79, one of three brothers, grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, where there was a relaxed attitude towards homosexuality. His mother became ill when he was a baby and he and his elder brother went to live with their aunt and uncle. At one point he was engaged to a young woman but the marriage didn’t go ahead. However, Mathew still keeps in touch with her and they have remained friends. Because of his ethnicity, strict apartheid laws in force at the time meant Mathew was not allowed to qualify as a pharmacist, even though he had passed high school exams. 

Mathew moved to London with no qualifications but managed to secure a job at Boots in Piccadilly where he went on to become the high street chemist’s first male supervisor. He met Tom in 1966 and together they travelled extensively, visiting more than 40 countries. They lived in south London and Essex before finally moving to Wiltshire. 

Mathew added: “I would dearly love to find a male companion I can go to the cinema, theatre or on holiday with. But there’s nothing for gay people in my area that’s why the calls from Stephen are so important."