Life

Random act of kindness in General Merchants helped new mum dealing with her own mother's terminal illness

One woman is grateful to the kind couple who gave her strength when she needed it most

"Around three and a half years ago, my husband, my baby daughter and I were having lunch in General Merchants in east Belfast. We were taking a bit of time away from the Ulster Hospital where we'd been doing round-the-clock visits to my terminally ill mum. The couple behind us paid for our whole lunch, even leaving more cash for extra drinks had we wanted them, left and didn't say a word.

"We were so shocked when staff told us. At the time I left a review on their Facebook page hoping the couple would see it.

"This random act of kindness came when I was going through the most difficult time, having just had a baby and coming to terms that soon I'd be losing my mum. This couple will never know how this gave me strength at a time when I thought the world was a cruel place.

"My mum died four months later and some months after that I was having lunch in a local garden centre where my mum used to go to before her chemo appointments. I noticed a mum and daughter around my age having lunch so I decided to pay for it. I left a note with staff to tell them 'days like today are precious, enjoy!' I hope they have since paid it forward.

"I've also sent random bunches of flowers to friends and family when I can afford it, leaving them anonymous. My mum loved flowers and if they give someone a small lift on their week that's all the thanks I would ever want."

Have you been on the receiving end of a random act of kindness? Share your story by emailing digital.editorial@irishnews.com

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