Ben and Dorothy, affectionately known as Mercy, cultivated a cherished friendship over the span of eight years, engaging in regular Thursday morning conversations from 8 to 8:10 AM at Dorothy’s residence, as shared by Ben with ITV. Their discussions ranged from family matters to the latest advancements in technology. A heartwarming connection was discovered when they realized that Ben had chosen to name his newborn daughter Daisy, reminiscent of Dorothy’s beloved mother’s name.
Ben had made a heartfelt commitment that if Mercy managed to reach her 100th birthday, he would make a special visit to her doorstep with a celebratory cake. True to their word, Ben and his fellow garbage collectors honored their promise, a testament to Mercy’s steadfastness.
A touching video, uploaded by Mercy’s granddaughter Katy Smith, rapidly circulated across various online platforms. The footage captures the poignant moment when Ben presents Mercy with a charming pink and white cake. Serenaded by the harmonious rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ from the three men, Mercy prepared to extinguish the flickering candles. Prior to her gentle breath, Ben encouraged her to formulate a wish, playfully suggesting that she aspire to reach the age of 105.
Sadly, Dorothy Ballard bid farewell to this world in 2020. May she rest in eternal peace.