Cashier Asks 85-Year-Old Out On Lonely Widower’s First Date In 55 …

When the holidays loom ahead, being a widow or widower home all alone is sorrowful and can be depressing. But when a Sainsbury employee from Leeds discovered that one of her favorite, loyal customers that she chatted with often was going to be all alone at Christmastime, she decided to do something about it.

The customer lived in sheltered housing not far from the store, after being forced to give up his home several years ago. His wife passed away in August 2006 after they’d been married for 45 years. His daughter and two grandchildren live in Australia. He was all alone.

So Ellie Walker, 22, decided to ask 86-year-old Edwin Holmes, a widower, out on a holiday date. The plan was to meet at the Sainsbury’s restaurant and share a meal and conversation, so Edwin didn’t have to be alone. Edwin wore his best suit and tie as he prepared to meet Ellie for their dinner date. He even brought her flowers.

Ellie told the Daily Mail that Edwin happens to be her favorite customer–describing him as, cute and “chatty.” She decided if he was her grandfather and was alone without family close by, she’d want someone to keep him company, too.

“He has no immediate family and he mentioned a few weeks ago that he would be spending Christmas alone with a frozen ready meal. The thought of him being on his own at such a special time breaks my heart and if I could take him home with me I would (please Mum?).”

So Ellie asked Edwin to accompany her to Sainsbury’s cafe to share a festive Christmas dinner. She even wore red reindeer antlers to commemorate the occasion. Edwin spruced up quite nicely for his first date in decades.

“He came in all dressed up and presented me with flowers. Such a lovely night with a lovely man. I’m so grateful to have met you Edwin. Thank you for making my life brighter.”

Edwin was equally thrilled with their evening together. In fact, the two continue to meet up and have coffee at the store cafe, but without the suit and tie. He told the Daily Mail that their night was one he won’t forget.

“I had very pleasant company. As for the suit, it was my first date for about 55 years, and [I got] the flowers because I wasn’t going to go empty handed.”

Ellie confessed afterward that Edwin made her cry when she saw how much the evening meant to him. The senior citizen confided in her that he was incredibly nervous, but their evening progressed beautifully, he thought. What do you think of sweet Ellie’s kind and considerate gesture?