Students from Oldham College had BBC breakfast viewers in tears over their cornflakes this morning when they surprised a lonely pensioner with a Christmas tree and a heart-warming rendition of Silent Night.
Terrence first appeared on BBC breakfast yesterday morning, and told Dan Walker and Louise Minchin that since his mother died 20 years ago, he’d spent Christmas day alone.
This year however, he will be spending it with a 90-year-old Nancy, a friend he made through charity Age UK.
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He was very emotional when telling his story - and he touched the hearts of the nation. Oldham College, situated just down the road from Terrence, decided to do something special for him.
On Wednesday night, several cars of students, gifts and equipment were dispatched to Terrance’s home to meet Dan Walker and the BBC. They all hid around the corner from his house while they hatched a plan of action, and then surprised Terrence with decorations and presents.
Actor of the stage and screen John Barrowman also surprised Terrance with a Christmas present - VIP tickets to his Fabulous Christmas Tour in Sheffield.
Principal of the college Alun Francis said: “This is what Christmas spirit is truly all about - and it reminds us all of the vital role that FE colleges play in our communities the whole year round. We were so proud and privileged to be able to help Terrence. His volunteering work with Age UK is a real asset to our borough.
“We’re also incredibly proud of how our students and staff pulled everything together so quickly. Two of our students were so touched by their visit to Terrence’s home that they immediately signed up as volunteers for Age UK Oldham themselves. The reaction on social media has been simply incredible from ordinary people to celebrities like John Barrowman, who is now having Terrence as his VIP guest for Fabulous Christmas Tour event in Sheffield tonight. We are delighted to have been able to help warm the hearts of the nation on General Election Day and ahead of the festive season. This is a story about what represents the very best of us all.”
The college is also bidding for Christmas number one, with all proceeds from their original single going towards Stop The Traffik, a charity tackling human trafficking.
