Francis Gay

DONALD is a connoisseur of great quotes and regularly regales us with his latest inspiring words.

So when he told us he had recently read something that had warmed his heart and prompted him to tears of happiness, we thought he must have found them in some rare book or other.

But he had in fact seen the words on Facebook in a conversation between his two daughters.

Older sister Amy had asked about the younger one Sarah’s elderly neighbour.

Sarah replied that the lady was fine, adding: “I walk her dog and check in on her every day.”

“It’s never likely to be quoted anywhere else,” proud Donald told me, “but if I can have any words engraved on a plaque to remind me I had done OK as a dad, it would be those.” FAR be it from me to betray a confidence. So, I shall call her “Betty”.

Betty lives 10 minutes’ walk from her local supermarket. And 10 minutes with shopping is about as far as she can walk but she has a surprising way of making it easier for herself.

Halfway between home and the supermarket is a hostel for homeless folk. They know her there. She has befriended various residents along the years and usually leaves treats (and essentials) behind, so her bag is generally lighter after her visit.

Each of her friends there told me the same story separately, omitting her name because she doesn’t want her kindnesses to be known. So, I couldn’t betray her confidence if I wanted to. But, somehow, it’s enough just knowing there are people like “Betty” out there, doing good where they can.