THINGS go wrong in any domestic household.

In the past two weeks alone, I have had bathroom taps and a shower combination variously leaking badly and in need of urgent replacement; in addition to a toilet lever snapping off and also in need of repair.

Guess who came to our rescue? Two of my sons, at no cost regarding the labour involved, but substantial cost for the replacement parts for the shower combination. They will, of course, be compensated in due course.

This situation got me thinking. There are many people of my age sadly on their own, through various circumstances. My heart bleeds for the situation they find themselves in with no immediate family help, given the the sharks out there who are known to ruthlessly exploit the elderly.

Regarding the general repairs that every household eventually requires by the natural ageing process of our domestic appliances, as well as the structure of our homes in our inclement little island, the elderly represent a sea of opportunity for this human scum.

Children, keep a close watch on your parents, please.

Make sure that the people who gave you life are watched over, as they near the inevitable existence in a different dimension.

You will one day be grateful for the same attention.

BILL WILLIAMS Covingham Swindon