• TO David, Pella, Beth and Scott.

I am writing to say thank you to you all for taking time out of your day to help me on Monday.

I was hit by a car, while cycling on Chalk Farm Road, outside Sainsbury’s Local, less than a minute away from my home. It was a horrible situation but you all made it more endurable.

I think being so close to home added to me feeling shocked and overwhelmed because I found myself looking around for a familiar face.

I thought maybe a neighbour or local shopkeeper would recognise me and come to help. Instead, four people I had never seen before helped to calm me down, get me off the road, and ensure I got to the hospital.

David and Pella, you just had a baby and could have continued your afternoon walk. Pella, thank you for coming over to reassure me and for allowing David to accompany me to the hospital.

David, thank you for your calming conversations, giving an arm to hold on to while hobbling through A&E, for offering to buy me snacks and going outside to get a signal to make a phone call on my behalf.

Beth, you were on your way to work and could have rushed off. Thank you for being the first to come over, letting me know that I wasn’t on my own. Thank you also for offering to take my bike until I got back from hospital.

Scott, you were in the middle of a journey so you also could have sped off to continue your day. Thank you for having the courage to not drive off. Thank you also for driving me to the hospital.

I’d also like to thank staff at Royal Free Hospital for all the incredible work they do. Lastly, I thank you all for restoring my faith in Londoners.

It can be a lonely city sometimes so it’s great to know that in a time of need, people are willing to help.

With gratitude.

SHAMYLEA MILLER, NW1