An English child with autism, who is currently grieving after his grandmother died in October, was sent a heartwarming video message from ‘Doctor Who’ star Peter Capaldi that helped him come to terms with his first major family loss.


Peter Capaldi [L] and Jenna-Louise Coleman [R] filming 'Doctor Who'

9-year-old Thomas Goodall, who resides in North Baddesley, England, wrote the actor a letter in September wishing him luck in his new role. Capaldi responded with his own letter, and when his grandmother died, Thomas’ father reached out to Capaldi once again, through his agent.

After informing the talented actor that Thomas was struggling to cope with their family’s loss, the comforting video message arrived sometime later.

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Ross Goodall told BBC, "He was beaming from ear to ear and couldn't believe what he was seeing."

In Capaldi’s video, which has been viewed over 680,000 times, he tells Thomas: "Thank you very much for your letter. I really enjoyed getting it because, you see, when Clara and I are traveling around time and space, sometimes bad things happen to us. And, you know what, Thomas, sometimes sad things happen to us, too, so it's nice to know that there's somebody like you out there who's on our side, and you should know that we're on your side.”

Adding, "So you look after yourself, take care and be happy."

After viewing the video, his father, Ross, revealed that Thomas smiled the first time since his grandma's death.

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"The way that Peter mentions the bereavement without actually mentioning it is very, very clever,” he said. "He took the message to mean he can be happy after what's happened…It's made such a difference to Thomas. He can go into lockdown... but all that subsided the minute he sat down and watched that video. I think Peter's a fantastic bloke and I'd love the opportunity to thank him myself. He just comes across as such a very gentle and caring person."