12/03/2026
Trigger warning — but perhaps not in the way you might expect. Heartbreaking but heartwarming. We couldn’t be prouder of our team!
This is a longer story, but one that truly deserves to be told.
Recently, while supporting the branch, members of our team shared a moment that perfectly captures the compassion and humanity we are so proud to stand behind. Stories like this remind us that the people who represent our business every day carry far more than professional responsibility — they carry genuine care for their community.
Our funeral director Scott was standing outside the branch when he noticed a young boy walking past. Something immediately caught his eye — the large holes worn through the front of the child’s shoes.
Scott later said, “I stared in disbelief as the boy walked past. I couldn’t let him walk any further in those shoes.”
He gently tapped the man walking with the boy on the shoulder and asked if the child was his son. The gentleman explained that he wasn’t; he was simply looking after the young boy for someone that day.
Scott asked if it would be alright for them to sit down in the branch for a few minutes while he quickly went to find the boy some new shoes. The gentleman agreed.
When Scott explained the situation to his colleagues inside, Charlie immediately spoke up. She had recently sorted through her children’s clothes and had a pair of Nike trainers — in excellent condition — ready to take to the charity shop.
By what can only be described as a small moment of fate, they were the boy’s exact size.
However, when Scott and Charlie removed the boy’s worn shoes, their hearts sank. His feet were blistered, the skin broken and sore from walking in shoes that had long since given up.
Trying to mask their shock and hold back their tears, Scott gently tried to distract the boy by asking about the rucksack on his back. The boy quietly explained that there was nothing inside it — he just liked wearing it, because all the other children had one.
Without hesitation, Scott and Charlie shared this with the rest of the team at Titfords.
Within moments, lunchboxes were opened and cupboards searched.
By the time the boy left, his once-empty rucksack was filled with snacks, fruit, and small treats from the team.
But more importantly, he left wearing a huge smile.
Scott, Charlie, Mark, Roy, Lorna & Carlene said he beamed from ear to ear, thanking them over and over again — as did the gentleman caring for him that day.
The team decided to keep these shoes from that day on as a daily reminder- If you can be anything in this world, be kind.
Times are undeniably tough for many people right now. But moments like this remind us that kindness still exists in abundance — often in the smallest gestures.
Sometimes all it takes is noticing someone, asking a question, and choosing to care.
Check in with your neighbours. Check in with your friends. You may not always be able to provide help yourself, but when communities come together, support is never far away.
To reassure those wondering, of course it goes without saying that the team contacted the school & reported their concerns with the relevant people to ensure the welfare of this young boy was looked into on a deeper level.
We are so very proud of our team at Titfords.
Because they remind us every day that we are so much more than just a funeral home. ❤️
****Toni kindly commented with info for the local uniform bank, she has reassured us that it’s a “no questions asked” policy and there are a range of items available for those in need head over to Clacton School Uniform Bank for more details****
