91Èȱ¬

A blind man with depression celebrated Christmas Day with other people for the first time in 15 years.

Stephen had not had Christmas dinner or presents since his mother died but this year a home care company in Bradford stepped in.

Staff at Together We Care surprised him by cooking and eating lunch with him, and gave him some gifts.

The 54-year-old said it was "the first time in many years I have not cried on Christmas Day".

Stephen, who also has neurological issues, has been using Together We Care since April.

When staff noticed, on his birthday, that he bought a cake and sang Happy Birthday to himself, they decided to surprise him for Christmas.

Together We Care director Kiran Mahmood told the 91Èȱ¬: "It broke my heart on his birthday.

"So four of us went to his house yesterday and cooked him Christmas lunch.

"He was so excited, it's the first time I have seen him smile and he even wore a special red hat."

As well as sharing festive food with Stephen, staff bought him a box of chocolates and pyjamas.

He said he felt "touched" and added: "Nobody has ever made me feel this special and important."

He used to live with his mother but since she died he has lived alone, and has no other family.

He added: "The team have gone above and beyond my expectations and are a protective factor in my life."

Together We Care co-director Nargis Mahmood said Christmas rituals were "vital" for improving people's mental health and well-being.

She added: "Bringing a smile to Stephen's face has brought immense satisfaction to the team."