Yahoo News 'Stranger's act of kindness was probably nothing to him - but to me it was everything'
A man who was struggling with his mental health was gifted concert tickets by a stranger after leaving a meeting at Andy's Man Club in Halifax.
Howard Cheslett, 47, was feeling emotional after leaving a particularly tough session at his local mental health support group on Monday, November, 18. On his way home he walked past the Victoria Theatre and shouted over to a group of strangers to ask what was playing that evening.
To his surprise a stranger told him that band 'Shed 7', one of Howard's favourite bands, was playing and offered Howard a free ticket for the gig. Howard said: "It's a bit of a funny story, I've suffered with mental health issues since the age of 22 and on Monday night I went Andy's Man Club and I had a breakdown basically.
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"It had been a very tough and emotional day and I felt very embarrassed breaking down in front of the group of men but the way they reacted was absolutely amazing, the empathy they showed was really amazing, everyone showed me so much care.
"Afterwards, I was walking back through Halifax and I walked past the Victoria Theatre, there were a couple of people outside, a man and a woman. Curious as to what was going on I shouted over to ask who was playing.
"A gentleman replied 'it's a Shed 7 gig, I've got a spare ticket would you like it?' It was one of the kindest gestures I've ever received in my life. The reason it meant so much is because the first band I ever saw back in 1994 just so happened to be Shed 7.
"I'm a big fan, I've actually seen them about eight times and I didn't even know they were in Halifax that night so it felt like fate that I just happened to walk past on my way home after a rather emotional night at Andy's Man Club and that kind gentleman in an act of pure altruism just happened to offer me a ticket."
He said it was the best show Shed 7 have ever put on, and he had the chance to completely let go. He said: "It was the best gig I've ever seen Shed 7 do, I managed to get to the front and I probably looked a bit crazy because I just totally let myself go, afterwards as I was walking out of the theatre and I was treated like some kind of celebrity, which was a bizarre feeling. I was getting pints bought for me and everything!
"My life has been so hard recently, I've faced so many ups and downs and it really lifted my spirts and made me feel positive and optimistic for the future.
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"To that guy it was probably just a spare ticket but to me it meant so much, I have had a previous failed suicide attempt and after that night I left feeling as though everything is finally falling into place and it reminded me never to give up."
Howard said he was ‘blown away’ by the man’s spontaneous act of kindness. The artist and poet, who is a huge advocate for mental health, wrote about the gesture on Facebook - and his post has gone viral.
Taking to public Facebook Group '50 Shades of Halifax' Howard penned: "I am WANTING to find the kind Gentleman that gave me a Ticket for Shed 7 as I was walking past the Victoria theatre in the snow.
"I didn't even know they were playing. I'd just been to Andy's Man Club and had an emotional day. He showed me the milk of human kindness and wish to give him an original painting.
"I had the most unexpected but awesome night. I met lovely people who treated me with RESPECT and I am hopeful they are friends for life."
The post was liked 1.1K times as locals rushed to salute the man’s gesture. One Facebook user, Cam Tait penned: "Nice to see a nice bit of generosity goes along way. Glad you had a top Night, top man whoever gave you the ticket."
Jeanette Amos wrote: "If that wasn’t a sign that you matter and need to be on this earth I don’t know what is. Take care" and Diana Thorpe responded: "How lovely. Angels are people that do random acts of kindness, seems yours was much needed. I hope what you're going through starts to lift, and life gets better."
And Corinne Ramsden penned: "Angels show themselves in human form so glad this uplifted your spirits and a big shout out to Andy's Man Club too", whilst Julie Ashman said: "This made me smile, so glad you was in the right place at the right time. Hope things continue to be brighter for your future, big hugs."
Artist, Howard, who has recently created a book a mental health handbook called 'Rise' based upon his struggles, is desperate to find the kind man and offer his thanks through his artwork. He said: "I didn't even get a name, he was quite a stocky guy, around 5"8 with a bald head, I want to offer him a painting and thank him properly.
"I also want to thank Andy's Man Club, it is absolutely phenomenal, what they are doing in Halifax is really special, it's brilliant that the stigma surrounding men's mental health is being brought down.
"Giving people hope is something that really resonates with those that are struggling."
