The ‘kindness, generosity and hospitality’ of a Thornton Heath cafe owner during the pandemic has been shared across the world.

Psychiatrist Dr Ahmed Hankir, who has tens of thousands of followers on Twitter where he writes as The Wounded Healer regular features owner of YBR Cakes Yusuf Bedir who he describes as one of the #kindnessheroes.

Every day Dr Hankir who lives in Thornton Heath and is an Academic Clinical Fellow in General Adult Psychiatry at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, is greeted with a smile and a coffee by Yusuf at the Brigstock Road cafe.

Dr Hankir said: “When I moved to Thornton Heath just over a year ago, I did not know anyone in the locality and I felt so very isolated. 

“That was up until I entered YBR Cakes and I was greeted and welcomed by Yusuf the owner and I instantly felt like I was at home. 

“Anyone who has been fortunate to meet Yusuf in person can attest to how uplifting his smile is. 

“There is a not a visit to his café that Yusuf does not humble me with his kindness, generosity and hospitality. 

“We are from the same Islamic faith background and whenever we meet, we would exchange the customary greeting of ‘salam’ which means peace. And Yusuf exudes serenity so much so that he helps to make you feel at ease with his tranquil tone of voice and his placid manner.

“I felt so inspired by Yusuf’s kindness that I Tweeted about this. My connections throughout the globe, from Australia and South Africa to the United States and Canada, have commented on how inspirational Yusuf is and they pledged to visit him in his café in Thornton Heath as soon as the pandemic settles down. 

“In a world where we can be anything, be kind. If we could all emulate Yusuf’s example, I know that would make our world a better place to live in.

“We are blessed to have people like Yusuf selflessly serving our community in Thornton Heath and we thank him from the bottom of our hearts for bringing joy to the lives of many.”

Twitter @ahmedhankir