Snooker star Shaun Murphy has revealed how he was left 'broken' after being confronted by a desperate mother on the street in Dublin asking for food and nappies for her two young children.
The 2005 Crucible champion revealed the exchange in an emotional Twitter post, detailing how he took the woman to the shops and bought the items, but was left 'heartbroken' by the episode.
Murphy, one of only 11 snooker players in history to complete the famed Triple Crown, also called on 'governments around the world' to take action amid the worsening cost of living crisis.
He wrote: "I debated whether to share this and decided I would. I was stopped today in Dublin by a mother with two children with her (9 and 9 months) begging for help.
"She didn't ask for money, just food and specifically some Aptamil and nappies for the youngest child. It was completely disarming to meet someone so desperate she was willing to walk the streets asking for help. It's broken me inside.
"It's 2022, why are some people in this position? It's just wrong. Governments around the world should be ashamed. I know things are difficult for everyone right now, I just wish there was more that could be done for the people most in need right now.
"Maybe there is, and I'm just not aware of it, and it that's the case, I apologise.
"In the end I did take her to the shops and buy her the things she needed. Normally when you do something good for people you feel better about yourself, if only briefly. I just felt heartbroken as I drove home. I hope she and her children are ok."
