London shop stays open at Christmas to lonely for pie and hugs
A HINDU couple are opening their newsagents on Christmas Day to offer a free mince pie and a hug for anyone alone.
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Shashi and Pallu Patel used to take the day off but they were inspired by the experience of helping an elderly neighbour.
Dorothy had become the victim of a scam just before Christmas eight years ago when conmen stole the savings from her pension.
Deepen, Mr and Mrs Patel’s son, said: “We invited Dorothy over on Christmas Day.
“We gave her a big sack of presents we’d collected.
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“She cried and said it was the best Christmas of her life.”
From then on, the family realised that other people would be alone and in need of help over Christmas.
So they began opening the shop on the day to welcome anyone who is lonely.
Mr and Mrs Patel have run their shop in Twickenham, south-west London, for 35 years since arriving in the UK from Uganda.
PA
Although they are Hindu, they believe in celebrating all religious festivals.
Deepen added: “We have the tree and the decorations, a special meal, light some candles and have a crucifix.
“In Hinduism the main message is to help everybody in life, especially those less fortunate.
Everybody should have somebody at Christmas, so we try to be that somebody.”
● Members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association are visiting care homes and hospices on Christmas Day as well as providing free taxis to the elderly.
