It WAS a sunny morning last Friday (May 8) and I’d just come back from my daily exercise and, like most people at the minute, I had no plans for the rest of the day.

That’s when my family found a small Union Flag-covered cardboard box filled with scones and cakes on our doorstep. It was from our neighbours.

We were immediately touched by their generosity. Not long after the music started, with many classics from the 40s with a rendition of the National Anthem to bring it all to a satisfying close.

The reason I relay my experiences this past VE Day is because it struck me on an emotional level.

It acted as a stark yet comforting reminder that even in the darkest of times friendship can be found and the strength of our communities is much stronger than certainly I ever gave it credit for. It proved that a seemingly small gesture of kindness can have profound impacts, in this case triggering an impromptu, socially distancing street party.

I’ve never experienced a VE Day quite like it, showing that perhaps our communities become strongest in the most dire of situations. There are many similarities that can be drawn between the Second World War and the current ongoing coronavirus crisis, particularly around how the British people rallied in support behind those who kept going no matter the circumstances.

What is especially striking to me is how in both cases, this community spirit transcended generational boundaries.

For example there is a gentleman in his nineties who came out to be a part of our socially distancing street party and equally I see him at his doorstep every Thursday as part of our Clap for Carers.

The spirit shown by so many veterans has been an amazing source of inspiration for so many, and I believe that it’s times like these where we are at our best.

People from all backgrounds coming together, united by a sense of belonging fuelled by genuine care for one another. And that is exactly how I believe we’ll get through these dark times, together.