A Bristol University cleaner who was gifted £1,500 ($1,965) by students to visit his family in Jamaica has revealed he is still 'shaking with shock' at the gesture.
Herman Gordon, 65, broke down in tears when he was handed the envelope of money to pay for his holiday.
The money was given to him from undergrads at Bristol University after they set up crowdfunding page that received more than 230 donations.
Advert
The students, who said he was 'one of the most loved' members of cleaning staff, wanted to send him and his wife, Denise, back to Jamaica for a week.
And today Mr Gordon told the MailOnline: "I've never seen that much money in my life. There's enough money here for two weeks - I'm negotiating with a travel agent to get a good deal."
Well if this doesn't hit you right in the feels, we don't know what will.
A home sick Herman, who has worked at the university for more than a decade, often opened up to students about how he longed to see his family - especially his uncle, George.
Advert
He arrived in the UK as a 12-year-old boy as part of the Windrush generation which refers to immigrants who were invited to the UK between 1948 and 1971 from Caribbean countries.
But Herman never forgot his early days growing up in Kingstown.
The MailOnline have reported that 230 students raised the money in a few days after setting up the online donation page describing Herman as 'the epitome of happiness'.
A post by the group said: "His undying positive energy and chit-chat has managed to turn many students' dark days into positive ones filled with joy.
Advert
"This legend proves that happiness is not about what you own, what job you have or how much money you've got, but about appreciating what you currently have in life even if it's minimal."
At the end of term the students gathered around the popular cleaner and asked him to remind them where he would love to visit.
Knowing exactly what his answer would be, they gave him the envelope and watched as tears rolled down his cheeks.
He said: "I don't know why they did it but it was an amazing thing to do. I still can't believe it.
Advert
"I love to chat with the students, about the weather, or football and sometimes I even help with their studies.
He added: "I try to encourage students if I see them struggling, I don't know anything about law or sciences but I know a bit about life.
"If I can motivate them a bit then it makes me very happy. I tell them about my experiences, I believe in God so I bless their day."
Advert
Mr Gordon, who lives in Bristol, checked his passport was in date after getting the windfall from his student admirers.
He said: "It is in date so I'm ready to go, all I have to do is pack a bag. But I may wait until the off season so it will be a bit cheaper then.
"I'm still shaking with shock, the most money I'd ever seen was £250 ($327) when I used to get paid in cash in a factory."
When Herman was given the cash the note to him read: "Dear Herman, On behalf of the students at Bristol, we would like to thank you for all the positive energy you have given to us throughout the years.
"You have brightened many of our days and we want you to know that we love and appreciate you. We have come together to give you a special gift as our way of saying thank you. Have a lovely summer!"
Is someone chopping onions near you? Because they sure as hell are where I am.
Featured Image Credit: SWNSTopics: Students, Jamaica, Money, Inspirational, Bristol, Community