When her husband died 30 years ago, Ting Chiap, then in her 60s, didn't have a cent on her. All her savings were used to pay for his medical expenses and when he died of tuberculosis, his funeral.

Living in a one-room rented flat at Kim Tian Road, and a widow at 59, Ting Chiap had neither relatives nor the means to support herself. According to a neighbour, Ting Chiap was so distraught that she cried day and night. "I was worried and didn't know when my next meal would be," she recalled, "and I wanted to end it all by committing suicide."

Her plight came to the attention of a volunteer, Mrs Linda Koh, who brought food and helped her apply for public assistance. "Mrs Koh is a great help, and a godsend. She pulled me out of my depression by befriending me."

When she was back on her feet, all she wanted to do was to reciprocate by helping other elderly in similar dire straits.

Nowadays, she's fully occupied with looking after Ah Eng, a lonely elderly living just next door, and 20 years younger. She is also stone deaf. According to Ting Chiap, Ah Eng suffered from deafness when she was hit by her abusive husband many years ago. With the help of Ting Chiap, Ah Eng has been coping well with her daily living. She has Ting Chiap buying groceries for her and popping in at least once a day to see how she's faring. She even gave Ting Chiap her house key as she can't hear Ting Chiap knocking on her door.

"During the nights when I hear the rumbling of thunder and it is about to rain, I just go over and shut the windows for her," said Ting Chiap.

Every Wednesday and Saturday, you would see Ting Chiap at the void deck, sweeping the floor and distributing food to the elderly poor staying at Blk 124 Kim Tian Road. For her age, Ting Chiap is still strong and sturdy. She carries bags of food to home-bound elderly - and she has been doing this for many years.

"There is no limit to caring - I'll go on helping Ah Eng as long as I can walk," said Ting Chiap.

Contributed by the Lions Befrienders to the National Council of Social Service website. Reproduced with permission.