Waitress’s selfless deed pays off after two firefighters send her fundraising campaign viral

A waitress in New Jersey who thanked two firefighters for their service by treating them to breakfast has had her good deed returned in an unexpected way.

Tim Young and Paul Hullings were touched when waitress Liz Woodward sent back their bill with a note saying breakfast was on her.

The two firefighters posted her note to Facebook and as it went viral they learnt a little more about Ms Woodward’s own story.

Ms Woodford’s father is paralysed and in December she started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for a wheelchair-accessible van for him.

Wanting to help the selfless waitress Mr Young and Mr Hullings began to spread word of her campaign.

“Turns out, the young lady who gave us a free meal is really the one that could use the help,” Mr Young wrote on his Facebook page, linking people to the fundraising website.

Ms Woodward was originally hoping to raise $17,000 for her father. More than $62,000 has now been donated.

One anonymous donor gave the fund $5000.

Another donated $7 with the message: “I know it’s not much but it’s what is left in my account, I guess sometimes just doing what you feel is right in your heart is enough to help a cause.”

Mr Young and Mr Hullings have now had the chance to meet Ms Woodward’s father, Steve.

They bought the baseball fan tickets to a Philadelphia Phillies game.

It may be the first time Mr Woodward has left his home, other than for doctors’ appointments, in five years.

Ms Woodward, overwhelmed by the donations, updated her GoFundMe page to thank everyone who had helped her cause.

“You did it. Each and every one of you giving, beautiful, human beings,” she wrote.

“My family is so blessed to know each and every one of you, and there are truly no words that can describe just how appreciative we are of your kindness, your support, and your compassion.”