PollyValentine

When an elderly customer lost her husband, she was suddenly left to face everyday life on her own. Her daughter lived in London and worried about how her newly widowed mother would manage simple tasks, including doing the weekly shopping. But at her local Asda in Rochdale, a member of staff named Saheda decided she wouldn’t have to face it all alone. The customer had regularly visited the store with her husband until he passed away three months earlier. When Saheda heard what had happened, she made a promise to the family: she would look after her. She even shared her work schedule with the daughter so she could arrange her mother’s shopping trips around the days Saheda was working. Whenever the elderly woman arrives, Saheda brings her a chair so she can sit comfortably while her groceries are scanned and packed. And she does something just as important: she makes time to sit and chat, offering companionship and emotional support when the customer needs it most. The kindness meant so much that the woman approached the store’s management herself to explain how much Saheda’s support had helped her. Now, store customer manager Dave Jeffs has nominated Saheda for an official Service Superstar award. It’s easy to think of shopping as just another everyday chore. But for someone dealing with grief and loneliness, a familiar face, a comfortable chair and a friendly conversation can mean the world. Saheda didn’t just help a customer with her groceries. She made sure a woman who had lost her partner knew she wasn’t alone. A beautiful reminder that sometimes the greatest acts of kindness happen in the most ordinary places. Well done, Saheda.