A UK widower whose wife died during lockdown is on the hunt for Christmas dinner guests who are "cultured, lively, humorous and enjoy good conversation".
Retired physicist Tony Williams hit headlines earlier this year after erecting a sign in his window appealing for friends when his "soul mate" Jo died of pancreatic cancer.
The retired physicist told Solent News: "she was the loveliest individual I had ever met – she was all the pieces. We have been soulmates."
"She died so rapidly after we moved right here from Gloucestershire, the place we spent all of our married life. All of it occurred so quick. She died in my arms in nine days."
Now facing a lonely Christmas, 75-year-old Williams has launched another heart-breaking appeal, this time looking for company on Christmas Day. Williams has been placing cards around his town, which promise "a sumptuous feast, fine wines and good conversation".
He's not just letting anyone through the door on Christmas morning, however.
"I have had responses, but one was a vegetarian and another had no interests that I share," Williams said.
"I don't want someone coming here and not speaking, watching me carve the turkey - although I don't really like turkey.
"I love cooking, and I'm a bit of a wine connoisseur, but what I decide to cook depends on who will join me."
Williams has siblings in other parts of the UK, but as they have grown children and grandchildren, the risk of COVID-19 is too great.
According to Metro, in the coming years Williams hopes to raise money for pancreatic cancer research, in a project he plans to call 'Just for Jo'.
