Scots author Simon Daley has revealed how the kindness of a stranger moved him to tears on a trip to a cafe with his mother-in-law who has dementia.
The crime writer, who has written best-selling thrillers, said he had a lump in his throat when a customer in the bookshop tearoom paid for their tea and cake.
As Pride of Scotland marks Random Acts of Kindness Day, Simon tells of the sweet gesture which meant so much to him and his family.
He said: “I took my lovely mother in law, Pat, out to get her out of the house and give my father in law a little respite from his caring duties.
“Pat is a sweet and lovely lady with a ready smile and is always up for a singalong, a wee dance and a hug.
She doesn’t know my name. She’s not very sure who I am other than someone in her life who loves her and she’s always happy to see.
“Today we visited Main Street Trading in St Boswells. It’s a fabulous place that combines a bookshop with a cafe and a deli. My kind of heaven.
“We parked across the road and Pat held my hand. Once inside we took a moment for Pat to take it all in and get her bearings. I pointed out the different parts of the premises and let her choose if she wanted a cup of tea first or a look around the books. She loves the myriad of colours and designs on the book covers but decided on a cup of tea first.
“No tables were available but the lady behind the counter said she’d find us in the bookshop when one was available.
“So, we headed off hand in hand to check out the books.
“A customer walked past and Pat decided to strike up a conversation with her. The lady smiled a knowing smile and chatted back. It was a lovely moment to witness.
“A couple of minutes later our table was ready and after perusing the cakes we took our seats.
“At the next table was a toddler in a high chair with her mummy. Pat smiled and spoke to the wee girl. The wee girl smiled back. Thankfully she was too little to be confused when Pat pointed at me and said, “Here’s your Dad!”.
“While we waited for our tea a lady was leaving with her pram so I got the door for her and lifted the pram down the step. Pat asked what I’d been doing and said, “That’s good.”
“We shared our cakes and tea and had a bit of a chat. It didn’t always make sense but hey, that’s not always important. We were just hanging out together and chatting.
“I nipped to the loo and asked two ladies at the next table to keep an eye out for Pat while I was gone. I came back a minute later and she was chatting to them and saying hello to their little dogs.
“I didn’t see it at first but on the table was a folded piece of paper. I opened it and found a lovely handwritten note. I’ve attached a photo of it to let you see for yourself.
“I’m not a Christian but I admire aspects of Christianity and other religions that emphasise kindness and compassion. I was touched by the note and figured someone who saw Pat’s condition was being supportive.”
“A bit later I went to pay the bill, only to be told it was already paid. I knew Pat didn’t have her handbag so couldn’t have been her and told the staff there must be a mistake while pointing out our table.
“They said the lady who’d been in the window seat had asked to pay our bill.
“I don’t know who she was, I only saw her from behind but she’d been on her own and writing in a book when I’d looked around.
“I can honestly say I had a lump in my throat and was truly moved – Random acts of kindness are a beautiful thing!”
Pride of Scotland is all about honouring the kind Scots who quietly go the extra mile to help others. Nominations are well underway for this year’s Awards so if you know someone who is the personification of kindness go to www.prideofscotland.org and tell us about them.
HOW TO NOMINATE
YOU can nominate an unsung hero for a Pride of Scotland Award with P&O Cruises, by going to the prideofscotland.org website.
The closing date is Sunday, March 16, 2025.
P&O CRUISES INSPIRATION AWARD – Celebrating a remarkable individual or group who inspire everyone around them, or the wider world, with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome adversity. They may deserve recognition for an extraordinary reaction to a defining or pivotal moment, or perhaps their actions have had an extraordinary impact.
OUTSTANDING BRAVERY – For adults who risk their own safety to help others in danger.
CHILD/TEENAGER OF COURAGE – For battling against the odds to help others or putting themselves at risk to save lives.
YOUNG FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR – To reward a person aged 16 or under for inspirational charity work.
EMERGENCY SERVICES AWARD – For police, fire, ambulance, paramedics or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty to help others.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT – To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION – For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of the Armed Forces.
