ELDERLY people in Brentwood are more at risk during the cold winter months than anywhere else in the county.
So, to make sure elderly couples like Zaza and Eric Walker from Doddinghurst make it safely through to the spring, the Gazette is backing this year's Surviving Winter campaign.
The appeal by the Essex Community Foundation aims to provide elderly and at-risk residents with potentially life-saving aid, from making sure gas bills are paid to providing a hot meal.
Stark figures from an Essex County Council report have shown that help is needed.
Brentwood has the highest rate of winter deaths – between December and March – in the county.
We are hoping our readers can help those suffering during the colder months, not just by raising money to support local charities for the elderly but by also looking out for their infirm neighbours.
Caroline Taylor, director of the Essex Community Foundation, said: "The aim of the Surviving Winter appeal is to help keep elderly people warm, safe and well during the winter."
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