I am worried about the number of elderly people who will die throughout the United Kingdom alone this winter from hypothermia.

I have decided the best vehicle to help combat this is to approach churches, charities and schools to devise a care pack.

It could consist of a duvet and/or fleece sheet (anything that insulates a bed); one pair of cheap ski gloves (the thermal kind); snow socks; a hat; thermal vests and thermal underwear.

Extras could include thermal mugs (these are very cheap and excellent for hot soups and liquids) and hot water bottles.

These items are relatively inexpensive, except for the duvets, but why not see if anyone you know has any spare ones lying around and would be willing to donate them?

I appreciate that times are hard, but I think we should give a thought, or a small donation, to the elderly people who will be suffering this coming winter.

It’s because of their unselfish generosity that we have a welfare state and we're all happy to lap up the privileges without sparing a thought for those that really do need it.

Lyndsy Spence

Antrim