Thank you!

We asked our Reader Panel to share those moments of kindness – big or small – that touched them the most

Readers share their moments of kindness

‘A stranger found my purse and handed it in to the police, with my £20 note inside.’

Donna Anderson, London

‘My mum is always there for me no matter what – and that’s the kindest thing of all.’ Kirsty Jenkins, Norfolk

‘Once, while visiting an unfamiliar area I didn’t have enough change to board the bus, so a stranger paid for me. She said she was “paying it forward” as someone else had been kind to her. I now do the same thing and help others when I can.’

Pam, London

‘When we went into isolation,

I wasn’t able to see my daughter with special needs at her residential home, Whitmore Vale. Staff there did their best to keep her happy, as she was so lost and sad. They listened to our concerns, changed her routine and took her around the garden as she loves being outdoors, which really cheered her up.’

Gayathri, Surrey

‘Working from home, my colleague and I often talk by video call. Once we spoke about how frustrated I was feeling. Two days later, a parcel arrived – it was a hamper and a lovely note from her reminding me that my self-doubts are purely that, and that she thinks I’m amazing! It made me feel so lucky to have someone in my life who would do that.’

Cheryl Gifford, Bebington

‘My neighbour helped me move 40 bags of coal weighing 25kg each, which the world’s most unhelpful delivery driver dumped half in, half out of my driveway.’

Anna Wise, Oxford

‘On Father’s Day, my cousin posted a photo of my late father, alongside a photo of her own father, with a beautiful tribute to them both.’

Angie Jones, Liverpool

‘When my husband died, one friend stayed after everyone else had gone home and told me she was taking me for lunch, paying for it, then getting me a cab home.’

Carol Cooper, London

‘One morning during lockdown, I found a small plant on my doorstep. I don’t know who left it, but it was a lovely gesture and so kind. Small gestures can be so uplifting.’

Ruth Wainman, Stockton-on-tees

‘My friend baked me a wonderful chocolate cake for my birthday. I’d been going through a bit of a tough time and it made me cry.’

Clare Baker, Bristol

‘Stuck at traffic lights with a baby and toddler in the car at a busy junction, my engine gave out. Drivers pipped their horns angrily and tried to manoeuvre around me, making it too dangerous to get out. Thankfully, a member of staff from the nearby petrol station ran across and pushed my car safely out of the way. This kind man made me so relieved for my own safety and that of my children.’

Tiffany Jones, Melton Mowbray

‘A close relative gave me one of his spaniels to keep me company. My cute dog loves chasing balls and is brilliant on the lead; what more could I want?’

Anne Brown, Hampshire

‘My friend loves to cook and although she has a huge family, she always remembers to put some food aside for me. It’s such a thoughtful gesture.’

Andrea Stordy, Suffolk

‘When I bought my first house, the woman who lived there knew I didn’t have a lot of money to afford new things, so she left me her cooker, settee and wardrobes. It was a lovely gesture and felt like I’d bought the house from a friend.’

Heather Martin, Greater Manchester

‘My friend and I were in a cafe and she was very upset. The waitress gave us two slices of cake, saying: “You look like you might need this.” It was such a kind thought, I told her manager. I hope she got a pay rise!’

Christine Gibson, Wiltshire

‘After our cat had a bad accident we thought we’d have to cancel our big holiday to Canada. I cried with relief when our friends called out of the blue and said they’d take her in so we could still go.’

Sue Malloch, Edinburgh

‘When I was diagnosed with cancer many years ago, a relative offered to take our baby daughter to nursery every day so that I could rest between bouts of chemotherapy. Her kind act helped immensely.’

Jeanette Barlow, Staffordshire

‘My friend always sends me flowers on my birthday. As a single mum to three children with special needs, it’s a much-needed pick-me-up.’

Simone Wilby, Suffolk

‘When lockdown happened, my husband decided to retire completely instead of working two days a week on a farm, so that he didn’t bring the virus home to me. I was very surprised as he enjoyed his work, and had been doing it since he was 15. He then did all the shopping so that I could stay safe at home.’

Sue Dawson, Cumbria

‘When I was homeless, my friend offered me a roof over my head.’

Anthea Midgley, Sheffield