In a heartwarming display of kindness, a bus driver in Leeds, England, known simply as Dave, has captured the attention and admiration of thousands. And all he had to do was take a moment to lend a hand to someone in need. His selflessness showed how simple it is for all of us to give grace to one another, especially when someone needs a helping hand.

Dave was driving his daily route for the First Leeds bus company when he noticed an upset young girl standing on the wrong side of the road. Concerned, Dave quickly pulled to the side. “I could see that the girl was upset at possibly being late for her first day at big school, so I asked the passengers on the bus to bear with me while I tried to help her out,” he said.

A bus driver was applauded for his effort to stop and help a young girl who had missed her bus and needed to get to school. Photo by Lynsey Jayes

Quickly, Dave organized a taxi to pick up the girl from a nearby grocery store, making sure that she would reach school on time.  Passenger Lynsey Jayes, who witnessed the heartwarming exchange, praised Dave’s action. “I heard the driver saying ‘are you okay there?’ Then he got out of the cab, so we all began to get a bit curious to what was going on,” she said.

“Outside there was a young girl clearly upset, she looked to be about 11/12 perhaps,” Jayes said. “He spoke to her outside for a few minutes, then as he walked back on the bus he was saying to her ‘don’t worry, we will get you to school on time’.” Jayes’ post about Dave’s generosity went viral, with thousands of likes and shares pouring in, underscoring the profound impact of his actions on the community. Dave said he was quite surprised.

Next thing I know, I’m back at the depot and I’m Facebook famous it seems. Someone showed me and said: ‘Is this you?’.”

The bus driver wants to make sure that it’s known he isn’t the only one dedicated to being helpful. “I’ve been surprised and overwhelmed by the response on Facebook, and in the media, but it’s all in a day’s work at First Leeds. We’re here to help people make their journeys and provide whatever other assistance we can.”

A company spokesperson agreed. “We are delighted with the actions of our driver, who has shown exceptional customer awareness and consideration for this young girl, who was clearly very upset. Dave said that it’s what anyone should do if they see someone in need, especially a child.

“As a parent myself, I would like to think that other people would do the same and go the extra mile for my daughter, so I was just pleased to be able to help,” he said.  As more and more people praised his actions, Dave said it’s all just part of helping others. “I’d do it again tomorrow,” he said. “It’s someone’s daughter and her first day at big school. She would have been heartbroken if she was late.”

In a world where you can be anyone you want, maybe we all should consider being a Dave. And after achieving viral celebrity status, the bus driver went to work the next morning as if nothing had happened. As it should be; after all, all good deeds are their own reward, someone wise once said. Watch below for a look at more random acts of kindness that helped make the world just a tiny bit better.

Sources: Yorkshire Evening Post | Shropshire Star