I HAVE felt moved to write to you after recently becoming aware of the heartbreaking situation many older people find themselves in each Christmas, that of being lonely and cut off from others.

The devastating facts that over one million people in Britain aged 65 and over feel trapped in their own homes, and nearly one million are acutely isolated, were revealed in a recent survey commissioned by the British Gas Help the Aged partnership.

Loneliness is distressing at any time of the year, but at Christmas the pain is felt even more sharply. For most people Christmas is a happy time, a time we all look forward to. It's a time to see family and friends, to shop for presents, and to have fun.

Many older people aren't able to join in these precious times at all; opportunities to socialise get less and less with age, as social circles get smaller. Many also find that money is scarce, particularly during the winter months. To be lonely is terrible at any time, but at Christmas, with only memories for company, it's a tragedy.

If you are as concerned as I am about this problem, there is something you can do.

The British Gas Help the Aged partnership recently launched the Alone at Christmas Appeal, and the money raised will be used to fund day centres, mini-buses and other community projects. These facilities will give older people the opportunity to get out and socialise with others, not only at Christmas, but throughout the year.

If you would like to donate to this appeal, please call 020 7250 4481 or send a cheque made out to Help the Aged, to: Richard Hill, Help the Aged, FREEPOST LON13041, PO Box 203, London, ECLB 1DG.

Please spare a thought for those older people who are not fortunate enough to have friends and relatives to share Christmas with. The smallest donation to this appeal would make a big difference.

Martine McCutcheon