Although the old soldier didn't give his name, he wanted the world to know Ray Wilkins had a heart of gold.
Homeless, penniless after a ruinous liaison with gambling and slumped on a flattened cardboard box outside West Brompton station, he was at rock-bottom until Wilkins, passing by, wandered over, sat down and listened to his story. The former England midfielder took him over the road for a cup of coffee, gave him £20 for a hot meal and referred him to a shelter.
Now, after being put in touch with a charity for ex-forces personnel fallen on hard times, he was back on his feet, about to get married – and he owed it all to Wilkins' simple act of kindness. Too often the talkSPORT airwaves are awash with inane prattle, but this was a beautiful piece of radio, revealing the 24-carat humanity of a great man who was taken from us five years ago, way too soon, at 61.
