Two friends of mine used the same expression in separate chats.

One has recently been widowed, the other has been through treatment for cancer. The phrase they used was “unexpected helpers”.

Both have networks of family and friends for support, but each was surprised by little acts of kindness from neighbours they didn’t know, people who had heard of their situations, even passing strangers.

“The people who visited but knew when to leave,” one told me. “The ones I had only nodded to in the street who handed in cooked meals, even shop assistants who were gentle with me in my confusion.”

The world is a kinder place than most imagine. We sometimes need to be at our lowest to appreciate it.

It’s a wonderful truth that our worst so often brings out the best in others.

For those of us who aren’t currently struggling – be an unexpected helper today!

I hadn’t seen Douglas in a while. When we met, I commented that he seemed thinner around the face.

He winced. Then he told me his sister had dementia and had taken to wandering out of the house in the middle of the night. So, Douglas and other family members had taken to staying over, and staying awake to keep her safe. Sadly, she didn’t always appreciate their help. And it was taking a huge toll on them.

Why do I mention it? Surely many, many people are in similar situations. And that’s exactly why I mention it. People up and down the country are struggling with a situation that wears them down in every conceivable way. We need to be aware of that.

On behalf of those who will, sadly, because of that awful disease, forget, let us remember the ones who love them, and help wherever we can.