Random acts of kindness

The altogether depressing outcome of the general election has left many (non right wing) voters in a state of despair. A couple of weeks in and Cameron and his cronies have already let their intention be known, in case anyone had been foolish or blasé enough to disregard it during the campaign. 13 billion pounds worth of welfare cuts, EU referendum, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, making industrial action really rather difficult to mobilise, the next 5 years are going to be brimful of unbridled joy.

It's easy to feel a tad deflated, just like the UK economy itself, as it would suggest that for most Brits the main priority is to look after number one. Caring, compassion, community, who needs it? Thank heavens then that people are still able, willing and keen to support fellow humans in a difficult situation without hesitation and without making a big song and dance number out of it. Philanthropic donations are clearly enormously significant for the beneficiaries, and there's a distinctly humane ethos behind them, but the financial clout required for such a grand gesture is the reserve of a distinguished few. The rest donate their time, skills, expertise, enthusiasm and money, knowing full well they won't have a boulevard or hospital wing named after them, rather because they're fully committed to the cause.

My colleagues informed me that during the evening social at last weekend's Younger Women Together event in Cardiff, a fellow hotel guest got chatting to staff, volunteers and clients at the event and upon discovering that everyone there were women under 45 who had been diagnosed with breast cancer he decided to buy bottles of wine and champagne for all, without fuss and fanfare. Simply because breast cancer had affected people near to him and that was his way of showing support. Such random acts of kindness can make all the difference. Obviously a freebie makes one happy but more importantly it shows that people care. That you are not alone.

Incidentally caring and togetherness are two of Breast Cancer Care's organisational values. The only UK wide support charity for people affected by breast cancer, we provide services that inform, educate and empower, to make sure noone has to face breast cancer alone. All our services are free to access thanks to the generous donations made by individuals, groups and corporate partners. As a charity that receives very little statutory funding, random or planned acts of kindness really do make all the difference.

I've done my bit by signing up to the weekly lottery, a mere £1 per week with a top prize of 1000 every week. I've also purchased one of these nifty collapsible water bottles called Ohyo for £4.99:

Not everything has to cost money either, charities and community groups are always looking for people to donate their time, skills and experience to help deliver services or run events. For example, you can sign up to volunteer at Breast Cancer Care's Pink Ribbonwalk in Bakewell on Saturday 13 June. I have.

So I encourage everyone out there to pick a charity or two whose cause speaks to you and give a donation, do some fundraising or become a volunteer. Our volunteer manager Lisa assures me that people who volunteer live longer so not only will your random acts of kindness help others but it'll contribute to a long and prosperous life.