Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Diaco Yari, the owner of a coffee stand named Thirst for All in Crane Park, Twickenham, west London, has become more than just a barista to his customers—he is regarded as a beacon of kindness and community spirit. Mandy Scott Johnson, a regular customer, described him as “like a little angel, like God’s angel really. He’s so kind.” Such admiration is unusual for someone running a coffee stall, but those who frequent Diaco’s stand see him as a vital part of their local area and a source of warmth.
Originally from Iran, Diaco arrived in the UK nine years ago. His life took a difficult turn recently when he was attacked and robbed of his takings on his birthday in February, an incident that left him with a broken tooth. The response from the community was immediate and heartfelt. Friends and patrons rallied together, raising nearly £3,000 through crowdfunding to help him recover his losses and install security measures. Mandy, who spearheaded the fundraising effort, noted the importance of restoring Diaco’s sense of worth: “He can now see his value and his worth and I think that’s so important to a human being.”
For Diaco, the sense of belonging offered by his customers has been profound. Away from his original home in Iran—where he worked in television producing content critical of the regime and advocating for freedom—his life in Crane Park has built a new extended family. Among those he regards as family is Peter Lund, whose late wife Andrea affectionately called Diaco her son. Peter recalled how his wife, despite her illness, found comfort in the connection with Diaco, leading to a bond where Diaco began referring to Peter as “Dad.” When Andrea passed away in September, Diaco honored her memory by helping carry her coffin at the funeral, a testament to the deep mutual support within this community.
Beyond emotional support, Diaco has also physically saved lives. Brian Theobold, another regular, recounted how Diaco jumped into the river to rescue him after he plunged in while trying to save his dog Ethel. Brian described the incident, saying, “Diaco stripped down to his underpants, jumped in, got his arms around my legs and pushed me up and two blokes pulled me out.” This act of bravery exemplifies why the café owner means so much to those around him. However, despite this strong connection, Diaco’s future remains uncertain due to a change in land ownership that threatens the coffee stand’s presence in the park. Peter expressed the community’s anxiety: “If we lost this caravan for any reason I’d be absolutely devastated… He brings everybody together.” The patrons of Thirst for All have pledged to continue their support and fight to keep Diaco’s café as a cherished part of their lives. For Diaco himself, the corner of west London where he works is something truly special—”a little bit of heaven” filled with community and love
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.