A Call Companion and his ‘match’ met for the first time on national television, as part of Good Morning Britain’s 1 Million Minutes campaign to reduce loneliness across the UK.

Rohan Young, from Manchester, has been in contact with 83-year-old Rosemary Hope for over a year but they had never met until they were invited onto the GMB sofa. Rosemary has been on her own since husband Trevor died 10 years ago, and although she has a devoted family she sometimes feels alone and isolated.

But the calls from 47-year-old Rohan, have given her a new lease of life. And as she explained this to presenters, Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley, Rohan suddenly appeared, clutching a bunch of flowers and giving her a big hug.

“It was a wonderful surprise,” said Rosemary, who lives in Gloucester. “Rohan is such a lovely man. He’s always happy and gives me such a lift. At last I was able to put a face to the caller who has become a genuine friend.

“Before I started receiving the calls from Rohan I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do something like a TV interview but now it feels fine. He’s had a big impact on my life. After my husband died I became a little isolated but now I look forward to going out.”

Since signing up to the Call Companion service Rosemary has now joined a Re-engage tea party group, even encouraging one of her friends to join. “It’s a fabulous charity and I hope this appeal results in many volunteers coming forward. It’s such a good cause,” she said.

Presenter Richard Madeley said: “I love this idea because it’s so simple. Just a phone call.”

Rohan, who has been a Call Companion for 15 months, said: “It was absolutely gorgeous to meet Rosemary. We get on so well and are able to discuss just about anything. We both really look forward to the calls.” 

Rohan also makes weekly calls to two other older people on behalf of Re-engage, said: “I would encourage anyone to join-up and volunteer. It’s such a great feeling that you’re helping someone.”