Chris Nicolou promoting Age Uk Camden in Kentish Town 

CHRIS Nicolou said he felt like he had lost touch with society after a tough couple of years recovering from chemotherapy for bowel cancer and following the pandemic.

The 67-year-old, who grew up on the Peckwater Estate and has lived around Kentish Town all his life, was already struggling with depression when the Covid lockdowns entrenched his isolation.

He said a simple chocolate bar could cheer him up when he was feeling lonely and that sometimes he would lie in bed “just trying to stay positive”.

But with the help of Age UK Camden, Mr Nicolou said he began venturing out of his home for the first time and was now embracing a fuller social calendar.

He said: “It all came out of the blue really, the cancer. I had been going to the gym, I didn’t smoke, I didn’t drink or do drugs.

“Suddenly I found myself housebound. I was like a skeleton, frail – lots of vomiting. My hair fell out. I wasn’t part of society for two and a half years.”

He added: “Looking back I think I was going a bit crazy. My mental state had been deteriorating. One time I got so low I thought I was possessed by a demonic force.

“But I decided to take the plunge and try and talk to people. It was a big step even to go through the gates outside my home, and then to pass the street corner.

“If I can help anybody and encourage people to get out there and not to give up, then I’d be really happy. I know it’s very hard, you have got to push yourself.”

Mr Nicolou, who is in remission, said he had Age UK Camden to thank for helping him rebuild his life.

The charity, which is launching a Christmas fundraiser, called Warm Hearts, to help support more elderly people in Camden this winter, said up to 34 per cent of a single pensioner’s annual basic pension could be being spent just on energy.

Mr Nicolou said: “I’m only on a state pension, but I don’t have an extravagant lifestyle. As far as the heating is concerned, I don’t put in on.

“I wear two dressing gowns with the hoods up and with three pairs of socks on. I keep all the bedding on. I open the windows and get some fresh air.”

Mr Nicolou went to Acland Burghley School and later worked as an electrical engineer on the power supplies and telephone exchanges up in New Southgate.

He said: “I’m still quite lonely. I still get down. Most Christmases and birthdays I have been on my own. I will sit tight and have a bit of food.

“I might put on the Christmas songs, get a bit of exercise. Listening to music, that helps me. I like all sorts: Pavarotti, pop music, reggae.

“Age UK Camden has been brilliant for me because I am not on my own all the time.

“I do all kinds of things – drawing, have a game of Scrabble, have a cup of tea or play dominoes and darts with someone. I get some companionship.”

The Camden branch of the charity helps hundreds of elderly people in each year with a range of activities, support and advice.

Chairwoman Mary Burd urged readers to donate to the charity’s campaign, saying that at Christmas “people we work with living alone, the colder weather can lead to people feeling more isolated than ever”.

You can find details of how to donate on the charity’s website at www.ageuk.org.uk/camden/