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Woman forms singles group after cancer heartbreak

James Grant
BBC News, Northamptonshire
Debbie Osborne Debbie Osborne, with long blonde hair, a white top and sparkly white blazer, stands in a clubhouse smiling at the camera. The lights are dimmed and there is fluorescent disco lighting.Debbie Osborne
Debbie Osborne started Singles Ministry Northamptonshire after finding it hard to meet others of a similar age

A woman who set up a social group for single people over 50 in response to personal tragedy and loneliness said it was slowly becoming a "little community".

Debbie Osborne founded Singles Ministry Northamptonshire earlier this year following a series of life-changing events, including her son and first husband dying from cancer.

The group has grown to more than 250 members and regularly hosts events in the county.

Ms Osborne, from Irchester, said: "The vibe is great because we're all comfortable. It's fantastic, it makes me so proud."

Debbie Osborne Debbie Osborne in a pink flowery dress stands by a brick wall smiling at the camera. Debbie Osborne
Ms Osborne said she was looking for a bigger venue for meet-ups because of increasing demand

Ms Osborne said she lost her first husband to cancer and later her son, and has since separated from her second husband.

She was also diagnosed with breast cancer, but thankfully it was caught early.

Speaking about wanting to meet new people following those events, she said: "It's really hard, and all my friends are married and settled.

"I wanted to go out with people like me, my age."

As a result, she organised a small gathering at Rushden Windmill Club, which attracted more than 40 people.

Encouraged by the turnout, she set up the social group in March, which has continued to grow.

"As soon as you walk in, the vibe is great," she said. "We're all the same age and we all feel comfortable. People that have come, now come all the time."

Jan Warren Jan Warren, with long blonde hair and glasses, takes a selfie in a disco setting. Jan Warren
Jan Warren joined the group to meet new people, as many of her friends now lived outside the county

Attendees of the group said it had helped them feel more connected.

Jan Warren, from Burton Latimer, said: "I realised I had no joy left in my life.

"When I saw Debbie's ad [for a meet-up,] I thought, 'time to get out and find some people'."

Trevor Pywell, from Barton Seagrave, said he had attended four events.

"Debs' group is fantastic," he said.

"I do miss having a partner. I gave up on dating apps and thought I was getting used to being on my own."

Ms Osborne said she was now looking for a suitable venue in Northampton to accommodate the group's increasing numbers.

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