A BLIND woman has nominated a charity worker for his dedication to the elderly and handicapped residents in Ealing borough.

Raj Balraj, 71, founder of Age Link, a charitable organisation, which helps housebound people throughout west London, was described as a 'real champion' by resident Blondelle Prescod, of Ealing.

The 66-year-old, of Bramley Road, South Ealing, said: "I nominated Mr Raj Balraj because in my opinion he is a real champion to all the house-bound pensioners in the Ealing borough.

"Once a month he organises trips for the housebound handicapped and elderly at the home of a volunteer.

"There are around 12 of us who go and they provide the transport to get us there, tea and entertainment such as bingo and singing.

"Sometimes you get to meet new people, and then when they see you on the streets, it's nice to stop and say hi.

"Also, once a year he does a seaside trip to Southend or somewhere else and provides the coaches to take us there."

Miss Prescod, a member of Ealing Association for the Blind, was put forward to go on trips organised by Age Link and has spent years enjoying numerous outings, thanks to Mr Balraj and his team.

She continued: "The last outing I went on in February was to a mosque in Uxbridge and it was wonderful. We were given food, including samosas and sandwiches. It was lovely.

"He is a very humble and kind person, and I feel that, for all the good things he does for the elderly and housebound in the area, he should get some recognition."

Mr Balraj has been running the organisation since 1975 with the help of 500 volunteers.

"I do not do this service for an award or anything but because I enjoy it," he said.

"When I finished studying in 1974 I wanted to do something, and my aim was to eliminate loneliness among the elderly and keep them happy.

"They have everything, but there is nobody around to talk to them, so we organise monthly trips to volunteers' homes, where the guests are treated to a tea party and the chance to get to know other people."

Age Link, which operates in 23 London boroughs, is run solely by volunteers.