Editorial: A little kindness goes a long way

Hawke's Bay Today News Editor James Ford. Photo / File

Kindness and generosity are two qualities we all hope to exhibit, particularly when it comes to our nearest and dearest.

Sadly, too often in a world in which the majority of us are busy night and day, or glued to our devices, these acts can be passed by.

But, in moments of unimaginable despair, come the most endearing acts of selflessness.

In 2017 a dear friend of mine was involved in a motorcycle accident that almost took his life.

I'd known Andy throughout our school years and beyond. He suffered two cardiac arrests after the accident and collapsed lungs.

Andy was left with spinal cord injuries levels C5-C7, meaning he is now paralysed from the top of his chest down with very little use of his hands.

After the accident he spent nine months in four different hospitals, enduring hours of physio and occupational therapy to teach him how to live independently again.

What happened to Andy left me questioning whether there was any fairness left in the world.

He was always the bravest and most stoic of us all. His presence made you feel happier, relaxed and able to laugh more easily.

What came next paid testament to that. Andy's partner set up a Justgiving page in the hope of raising funds for him to live as independently as possible. And the outpouring of support was colossal.

I would regularly wake up here in New Zealand to find the money raised in the UK had leapt forward again as friends and strangers came forward.

The initial goal was easily surpassed and the amount continued to rise.

The donations were also accompanied by messages, each one offering a kind word of support. Many began with "You don't know me, but…"

Although Andy's life has changed, the generosity and kindness shown by family, friends and strangers alike made adapting to a new way of life easier.

Being confined to a wheelchair may have reduced the height of Andy's giant 190cm frame, but his kindness, sense of humour and natural ability to create a sliver of light in the darkest of times will always make him a giant of a man.

A little kindness from a lot of people goes a long way.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/samantha-duffy-1?utm_id=107&utm_term=zGDBPwdz7