A writer from Paris says a bookshop worker ‘helped restore her faith in mankind’ after delivering a package to her friend in hospital.

Children’s author Amy Plum lives in Paris and last week wanted to send some books to a friend receiving breast cancer treatment at Holly House Hospital in Buckhurst Hill.

She called the nearest bookshop, The Village Bookshop in High Road, Woodford Green, to ask if they would deliver three books.

Not only did employee Catherine Marcus agree to help select the books, she also offered to deliver them to the hospital with some flowers later that day.

Amy said: “Catherine was truly amazing. She was so positive, helpful, and good-hearted.

The 48-year-old has lived in the French capital for around 15 years.

She added: “I live very near both Charlie Hebdo’s old offices and the Bataclan in Paris, and have suffered a real blow to my belief in mankind after the terror attacks last year.

“People like Catherine help restore my faith in the goodness and compassion of man, or in this case, womankind.”

A total of 141 people were killed and over 300 injured in the two terror attacks in Paris in January and November 2015.

She said her friend was “absolutely delighted” when she received the gifts Catherine had delivered on her behalf.

Catherine, who lives just behind the bookshop in Elm Terrace, said: “I felt like crying when I heard Amy’s kind words, I am so touched.

“It wasn’t really a question of trying to be a nice person. I thought Amy was the doing that, preparing a care package for her friend who was going through a very scary and challenging time.

“I feel very lucky and privileged to be part of her good deed.”

Bookshop owner Saba Rais said: “What Catherine did was wonderful - she really went over and beyond with the way she helped Amy and her friend, she is a real asset to us.

“We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our community’s support so I am always glad when we can give something back like this.”