I find myself compelled to shift tack from the Dad-Up article which was about to reach you this week. Indeed, compelled to momentarily stop articles on clothes and shoes; on content for brands and the perpetual levels of procrastination and frenzy which make up my day.

An old university friend posted on Facebook earlier, and I followed the link to the youtube video he had uploaded. I was aware that David and his wife had tragically lost their daughter Beth to leukemia, and that he had been involved in fundraising activities since.

The detail of the short video was humbling, profound, and deeply moving; in small part because he is a friend, in large part because I am a parent, and even more so due to the empathy which makes up the very best of us.

Social media can blight us daily; distract from pressing matters and fill minutes with updates of lunches had, trains missed and songs loved. Beyond that, it can serve to keep us in touch with friends who we may miss in real time thanks to the vagaries of life, geography, and any other myriad factors.

Occasionally, though, it can act as a timely catalyst amid the banner ads and self-promotion. David’s sharing and courage have given me pause for reflection- to admire him and his beautiful family, and to think of his daughter Beth.

In the meantime friends, please take 5 minutes to be inspired and centred again; to remember what is genuinely important, count your blessings, read an extra bedtime story, tell the ones you love quite how much you do, and kiss your kids.

As well as Laura Lynn, David has also suggested that you check ways to support your local hospices.