This morning I sat on the stairs with Esther. We were just having a cuddle and the stairs seemed as good a place as any.

The cuddle went on a lot longer than usual. Esther was tired and grouchy and she needed soothing. So we just sat still. A rarity for her. And for me.

I was suddenly hugely struck by how fortunate I am to have cuddles and hugs ‘on tap.’ I have four very affectionate children indeed. They are marvellous cuddle generators, so I am well-off for physical touch – something I totally need.

How many people are there in the world, who have no-one to hug and cuddle? Or worse still, have no-one to cuddle them?

I thought of my single friends, my elderly neighbour… who do they turn to?

Today I want you to think of someone who has no-one else in their world who hugs them. Maybe it is your Dad, your brother or your friend. Whoever it is, make the time to go and find them and hug them this week. A hug can make someone’s day… if they are lonely, it can make their week.

I remember once (with a tinge of sadness) that one of my close friends once remarked about someone in his life “all she needs is the kind of hug you give people and she would be fine.” I never got to give that hug.

Don’t let someone you love miss out on feeling loved and special today! Don’t meter out your hugs. Give them freely!