Bus Driver Receives Special Award For Helping Homeless Person

A Translink bus driver has received a special award from the National Campaign for Courtesy in recognition of his exceptional example of kindness.

Paul Doyle, a Metro driver based in Falls Road bus depot in West Belfast, gave a winter coat to a homeless person at the end of last year.

While out driving, Paul often noticed a young man outside and was concerned by his lack of suitable clothing in cold and often wet winter weather conditions. He bought the man a coat and give it to him the next time his bus passed by.

Another passenger on board the bus at the time who witnessed Paul's generosity and shared it on social media.

Paul received a special certificate from PR Smith, National Campaign for Courtesy Non Executive Director, who said: "Paul is a true inspiration and I'm delighted to meet him and find out more about his story. It shows how even one simple act of generosity can be so powerful it touches the hearts of an entire nation and raises the profile of a serious societal issue. Kindness has a knock-on effect. Paul tells me that both he and other Belfast bus drivers have observed that car drivers are more patient since this story went viral.

"On behalf of the National Campaign for Courtesy, I would like to thank Paul and officially recognize his exceptional thoughtfulness."

(CD/LM)