'I'd give you the biggest cwtch': Big Issue vendor John and cosplayer Sasha share pandemic lessons

Watch: 'Reconnecting Wales': Strangers John and Sasha meet to discuss loss in the pandemic, love across continents and how cwtches beat everything.

As part of a brand new series on ITV Cymru Wales, two strangers from around the country and from all walks of life meet for the first time over video call.

In episode one, Big Issue vendor John Williams from Swansea meets Sasha Robbins, a cosplay enthusiast who supports adults with learning disabilities.

John opens up on his experience of recently losing his mother who had dementia and on how difficult it was for him to earn money during the pandemic.

Sasha talks about the impact Covid-19 had on her father, who had to have his leg amputated after contracting the virus. He is now in a wheelchair like his daughter Sasha, who lives with cerebal palsy.

John's partner lives in the Philippines so he has not been able to see her, while Sasha says she would never have been able to leave her room if it was not for the support of her partner.

During the call, John and Sasha show heart-warming empathy for each other despite initially being strangers, showing the power of our collective shared experienced of the last 18 months.