The Kindness of Strangers

At Ashtead Rotary, we often talk about service, community and looking out for one another. Sometimes, however, those values are demonstrated by people entirely unconnected with our organisation, simply through an instinctive act of kindness.

Our fellow Rotarian, Len Wood, just recently shared an experience that reminded him just how much thoughtfulness and compassion still exist in everyday life.

Len, who is approaching his 84th birthday, has difficulty walking and is no longer able to drive. Following a recent evening of disrupted travel and cancelled connecting train services, he eventually found himself stepping off the last train from London Victoria to Horsham late at night.

As he began the slow journey home, a car pulled up beside him.

The driver explained that she had noticed him having difficulty getting off the train and had been concerned about him making his way home alone. Although she already had two passengers with her, who were travelling towards the West Farm Avenue area, she insisted on taking Len directly to his front door, even though it meant a considerable detour from her planned route.

Thanks to her kindness and presence of mind, Len was safely home by 12.21 am.

Sadly, in the moment, Len never thought to ask her name. He would very much like to express his gratitude and acknowledge the difference her thoughtfulness made that evening.

Reflecting on the experience, Len said: "I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the lady who took the trouble to stop and help a complete stranger. She showed remarkable thoughtfulness, concern and kindness when she had no obligation whatsoever to do so.

“What she did made a difficult journey home much easier and safer, and I am enormously grateful. If anyone knows who she is, I would be delighted if my thanks could be passed on to her”, said Len.

Len has been a member of Ashtead Rotary since being invited to join at Village Day in 1992 and has always sought to play an active and useful role in supporting the Ashtead community. Reflecting on this experience, he believes the driver's actions perfectly exemplified the values that Rotarians strive to encourage, noticing when someone may need help, showing concern, and responding without hesitation.

If anyone happens to know the driver, please pass on Len's sincere thanks. Her spontaneous kindness towards a stranger was greatly appreciated and serves as a powerful reminder that small acts of consideration can have a profound impact.

Stories like this reassure us that kindness remains very much alive in Ashtead, often appearing when it is needed most and from the people we least expect.

The values demonstrated by this kind stranger are the same values that inspire Rotary's work every day. If you would like to put something back into your community, make new friendships and help support local causes and good works, why not consider joining Ashtead Rotary Club? New members are always welcome, and together we can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Contact us at via our website at:- www.ashteadrotary.co.uk/contact