2024-02-27 10:49:27
Man’s generosity makes the day of a group of learning disabled adults from Bishop’s Stortford
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 remain 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.
“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,” explains support worker, Liz Cook.
“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,” says Liz.
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.
“There are some wonderful people out there – what a day to remember,” says Liz.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
