Born in Scotland, the youngest of 3, D moved to London as a young boy. He went to church with his mum on a Sunday, then they met up with his dad for a lemonade and Brighton biscuit before having a stroll around Streatham Common where on occasion he saw the “black shirts.”

As he grew up he excelled in athletics and football representing his county, and played the banjo and guitar with his brother at the local cinema. He joined the GPO before his National Service saw him serving in the Royal Signals.

D rejoined BT as an apprentice engineer after National Service, marriage and children followed and D used his spare time to coach football. He continued to work for BT for the whole of his career and eventually came to live in Chessington.

D was referred to Sharing Lives following a church door-to-door encounter. On first appearance you see a chirpy chap who loves to chat and can’t help but make you smile. He is so proud of all his achievements and the trophies on the side are a symbol of his hard work in the past.

He has a wonderful family surrounding him, home comforts, and has built an enjoyable life. However, as you talk you find that time has robbed him of his physical strength, mental capacity, and has left him lonely and grieving. Over the months I’ve been visiting I’ve learnt more about his amazing life story and conversation has moved to a more personal level of life and death and his eternal need is revealed. I have been able to share the love of Jesus as we have received it, that there is hope offered to all who trust in the death and resurrection of Jesus. We now pray, read the Bible, play a hymn, as well as chat and laugh.

D is only too happy to have me visit, the only problem is that I have to leave. It’s still hard to say goodbye, but we close praying that the loving arms of God surround, support and bless him and his family.

Why “touch wood and whistle?” Well, it’s D’s favourite phrase!