Deaths of OAPs lead to appeal

Charity Age Concern has urged Shropshire pensioners to wrap up warm after two elderly women died from hypothermia in the county.

Housewife Joyce Marea Thomas, 82, and retired revenue clerk Hazel Isobel Gladys Norgrove, 85, both from Telford, died last week. Inquests opened into the two deaths revealed both women died as a result of hypothermia and chiefs at the charity are keen to avoid any repeats.

Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature drops to 35C from its normal 37C. It is estimated that 8,000 excess deaths of elderly people occur every time the temperature drops one degree below the average during the winter months.

Age Concern's Director General, Gordon Lishman, said elderly people living on their own were particularly vulnerable.

He said cutbacks on heating the home to economise could have very serious consequences.

He added: "We would urge anyone who is feeling anxious about turning up their heating to contact their local Age Concern for advice on benefits and help with heating costs that could make meeting their bills easier."

To prevent hypothermia, elderly people are advised to warm the bed at night with a hot water bottle or electric blanket and wear pyjamas.

Joyce Marea Thomas, of Turreff Avenue, Donnington, died at home on Saturday.

A post-mortem revealed the cause of death was hypothermia and Telford & Wrekin coroner John Ellery opened and adjourned an inquest yesterday.

Her death came just two days after another elderly woman from Telford died in similar circumstances.

Retired revenue clerk Hazel Isobel Gladys Norgrove, of Old Vicarage Road, Dawley, died at Princess Royal Hospital last Thursday. The cause of death was the same.