Stranger’s generosity makes the day of a group of learning disabled adults

An exceptionally kind gentleman made a group of learning disabled people and their support workers extremely happy last Friday when he unexpectedly paid for their lunch – on the condition he remained anonymous.

The group of 10 staff and supported people from the local day service, run by learning disability charity Hft, ventured out for lunch at Wetherspoons in Bishop’s Stortford. Being half-term, it was very busy but everyone bundled in with the usual fun, laughter and smiling faces, including wheelchair and walker users.

Support worker, Liz Cook explained:

“Finding a space was a bit tricky but we squeezed in and, once everyone had decided what they wanted to eat, we went in pairs to the bar to order.

“To our astonishment, the bar staff told us to put our purses away, because a fellow customer who had seen us all come in apparently ‘fell in love with us’ and offered to pay our bill.

“To say we were all in shock is an understatement! With tears in our eyes, we felt so surprised, overwhelmed and grateful for the generosity of this wonderful man who really believed and saw that the work we do is of such value, and how much everyone gets from these wonderful trips out.”

The Hft staff sprang into action, running to a nearby shop for a card which everyone signed with their messages of thanks. The bar staff ensured the man received the card and knew how grateful everyone was for his kindness and that their work had been recognised so much that he wanted to treat them all.

Liz concluded:

“There are some wonderful people out there – what a day to remember.”