A travel buddy is being sought to accompany an 82-year-old man on a train journey from Totnes to Cheltenham on Monday, July 24.

The man, who lives in Salcombe, will be picked up in Cheltenham and driven onto Worcester for a family gathering. He has two daughters, one lives in Essex and the other in Worcester.

One of his daughters, Amanda Ruiz said: “He’ll be travelling up on the train to Cheltenham, rather like Paddington Bear with a name tag around his neck. And then we’ll be picking him up and driving him on to Worcester.”

Amanda describes her father as “lucid” and “a good companion” who will “chat your socks off”. The family’s main concern is that he won’t get off at the right stop.

He’s well-travelled, with lots of interesting stories, having spent time in Africa and Norway. He has a keen interest in war history, and is also interested in sailing. He used to own a wood-working factory making toys, play equipment and black boards.

“The assisted travel service is not good for him,” Amanda explained. “He would need someone at his side to keep him company and not get off at the wrong stop. I would love to find a bored retiree who could be his Totnes travel buddy on the journey,” she added.

The man’s dates of travel will be Monday, July 24 from Totnes, and the return journey will be on either Friday, July 28 or Saturday, July 29 from Cheltenham.

If you think you can help, please get in touch with Amanda via email - [email protected].