Standing in the queue at the Orchard Cafe I found myself staring longingly at the beautiful chocolate cake on the counter. Lost in reverie I turned to the lady standing next to me and said, “This is definitely a good day for chocolate cake.”

“Oh yes,” she replied, “I haven't had any chocolate for a whole month...”

I looked shocked.

“I was doing a sponsored 'no chocolate month' for the British Heart Foundation. I've raised seventy pounds”

I looked at this lovely lady in amazement.

It happened to be the anniversary of my father's death. He died of a massive heart attack.

As my emotion welled up at the extraordinary synchronicity of the moment,  I reached into my pocket and handed her a note.

“You've just raised a bit more,” I said with a smile.

It felt good to be able to make that small gesture, to have some money in my pocket to offer.

The joy of being able to give to a cause that is meaningful to us is priceless.

Regards,

Nicholas.