Kindness in Falkirk: Diane served up rolls and cheer to festive lonely

A new business owner wanted to say a special thank you this Christmas to the community that has supported her efforts in the last six months.
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Diane Walker opened Di’s Deli in Blinkbonny Road, Falkirk in July and since then her shop has become a popular spot for local people to pick up tasty treats.

Many of her customers are elderly and, after hearing that many of them would be on their own this Christmas, she decided to spread her own little joy.

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She said: “No-one should be on their own on December 25, particularly after the last couple of years that we’ve all been through.

Diane Walker, owner of Di's DeliDiane Walker, owner of Di's Deli
Diane Walker, owner of Di's Deli

"I decided that I would take round breakfast rolls to anyone who I hear about who will be alone on Christmas Day.”

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Diane, 43, is amazed at the reaction she received after revealing her plans.

She added: “People have been very supportive and offered to help if needed. Tesco in Camelon handed in a donation of sausages, bacon and mince pies which I thought was a lovely gesture.”

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The mum-of-two asked people to let her know of anyone in need of a visit and on the morning of December 25 headed out to 28 homes.

“My mum, Cathy Tyson, cooked the fillings for the rolls back in the shop so that was be a big help,” said Diane.

“The majority of those I visited were elderly but a couple were disable. However, all would otherwise unlikely have seen anyone that day.

"I’ll admit that it did get a bit teary at times but I’m so glad that I did it.”

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After her festive visits were over it was be back to her home in Reddingmuirhead where she finally sat down to Christmas dinner with daughter Stephanie, 21, and her fiancé, and son Steven, 16.

"The community have been great to me since I opened and this is my way of repaying them for all of that,” added Diane.

This year marked her dream of running her own business after being diagnosed with IgA nephropathy – a kidney disease that results in inflammation.

She spent several months on dialysis before undergoing a kidney transplant in 2018.

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"The transplant is only a treatment for the condition I have, it’s not a cure.

"I just live my life to the full.”

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