Christmas is a time to spread cheer and joy. And Whales’ Ken Watson continues to do so even in death.
The octogenarian recently passed away in October but not before ensuring he bought fourteen presents for his neighbour’s young daughter Cardi.
The warm gesture came to light after his daughter arrived at the neigbour’s house recently carrying a sack full of presents for the 2-year-old. Ken bought her 14 presents, one for each Christmas until Cardi turned 16.
Cardi’s father and Watson’s neighbour Owen Williams, who moved to wales just three years ago, was overwhelmed by the gesture. He said that Watson had been like a grandfather to Cardi and was deeply attached to her.
He posted a photo of the gift-wrapped presents Watson had left Cardi on Twitter. He wondered whether he should open all the presents at once or give Cardi one present each year.
The posts have gone viral, with many on Twitter commenting on the inspiring Christmas gesture. In fact, Own himself continued to provide follow-up updates to the story as interest continued to grow.
Our elderly neighbour passed away recently. His daughter popped round a few moments ago clutching a large plastic sack. In the sack were all the Christmas presents he’d bought for *our* daughter for the next thirteen years. 😢 pic.twitter.com/6CjiZ99Cor
— Owen Williams 🏴 (@OwsWills) December 17, 2018
He played the accordion. We’d hear the strains of oompah drift through the kitchen wall late at night.
He said he’d live to 100.
He planned to do this again…https://t.co/Lpx1pdjU5L
— Owen Williams 🏴 (@OwsWills) December 17, 2018
Owen thinks they will probably open the presents right away as they may be outdated by the time Cardi turns 16 and receives the last of them. They opened one of the presents and it turned out to be the book Christmas Eve at the Mellops’ by Tumi Ungerer. Thr writer gave a shout out to William after the latter posted the photo of the book on Twitter.
❤️️ Two-year-old Cadi was so adored by her elderly neighbour, he did this for her Christmases after he died https://t.co/R75CwwUdHF
— BBC Wales News (@BBCWalesNews) December 18, 2018