Power of a Hug.

October 19, 2025

Read the true story of a hug that changed someone’s life.

In 2017, in London, a little girl named Lily, just 6 years old, was walking with her mother in a busy shopping district.

As they passed a bench, Lily noticed a homeless man sitting alone. He looked cold, sad, and lost in thought. While most people walked past without noticing, Lily stopped.

Before her mother could say anything, Lily walked up to the man and gave him a big hug.

The man’s eyes filled with tears. He told Lily’s mother, “That’s the first hug I’ve had in years.”

Lily’s mother, deeply moved, sat down to talk with the man. She learned his name was David, and he had been living on the streets after losing his job and home. He had lost hope, feeling invisible to the world.

Lily’s hug changed everything for him.

Her mother helped him get in touch with a shelter, and over the next few months, David got back on his feet. A local charity helped him find work, and soon, he had a place to live again.

Months later, David sent Lily’s family a message:
“Tell Lily she saved my life with that hug.”

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All images have been created to illustrate the story and are not based on actual people.