The Most Profound Lesson I Ever Taught My Children – And I Didn’t Even Plan It,
How a Small Act of Kindness Transformed My Children’s Perspective (and Might Change Yours Too)

What if you could teach your children a life-changing lesson—without saying a single word?
Last week, something unplanned happened that shook me, inspired my kids, and reminded me why my Runpreneur journey exists. This is not just a running storey. This is about raising compassionate, resilient young people—while running 40,075KM, barefoot, to save children’s lives and hit that £1,000,000 mark.

The Power of Presence: Real Lessons Are learnt by Example

After pounding the pavements of Edinburgh Marathon, my family and I were strapped into the car for a gruelling 9-hour trek back home. Tired, peckish, and just longing for my own bed, we made our usual pit stop—Ferry bridge services.

There, amidst the hustle of service station life, sat a homeless man, looking lost and utterly alone. Typically, I’ll admit, like many, I would walk by. Maybe toss some loose change if I had it. But this time, as I stood clutching a milkshake I hardly wanted, something shifted.

I simply walked over and handed it to him. No fanfare. Just, “Mate, it’s hot—bet you need this more than I do.”
His gratitude floored me. He shook my hand, his thanks almost overwhelming. And crucially—my kids saw it all.

Why This Moment Meant Everything

I didn’t plan a lecture about kindness, humility, or compassion. Instead, my children watched it all, unscripted. Later, my youngest quietly handed over £5 of his own, filled with pride and empathy.

This is the lesson—children pay far more attention to what you do, not what you say.
I told them: “We’re lucky. We’ve never known challenges like his—no home, no hot meal, no guarantee of shelter. It’s up to us to give what little we can, not just in money, but in humanity.”

The Ripple Effect of Kindness (and Why It Matters on the Runpreneur Mission)

I’ve said it before on my vlog: I’m not perfect. But on this journey—aiming for day 4,292, 40,075KM to circle the world barefoot, and raising £1,000,000 for children’s causes—I’ve realised the real power is in showing up, day after day, with kindness.

A milkshake. A smile. A genuine chat. It’s not about grand gestures—it’s about consistent, real compassion. And as parents, that’s the power we hold: simple, unscripted acts shape who our kids become.

Calling All Parents, Runners & Change-Makers: Join the Mission

If you’ve ever doubted your ability to make a difference—remember this:
A small act can shift a mindset.
A moment of kindness can light a path for your children.
Every mile I run, every storey I share, is about raising hope, not just money.

Help me continue this mission! Subscribe, share, or donate if you can. Every penny, every person, brings us closer to the dream—£1,000,000 for children in need, 40,075KM run, and a world where kindness is our default.

Let’s run, not just for ourselves, but for the next generation.
Stay positive, stay happy—and lead with your actions.
See you on the next run!

—Kevin, the Runpreneur