Urban legends run amok in emails, blogs and conversations, so many, it seems, that it’s a wonder that anyone trusts anything on or via the Internet. Here’s a story that is neither false nor misleading, and it presents a happy ending to what would surely have been a tragic one, had two people continents away from each not formed a friendship over a mobile game app.

Beth Legler of the USA and Georgie Fletcher of Australia, once upon a time chose random opponents when they wanted to play the almost-Scrabble game, Words with Friends. Fate chose them to play against each other.

The two had played the game together for two years when Mrs Fletcher made a random comment via the app that her husband wasn’t feeling well. Mrs Legler requested Georgie activate the game’s chat option to discuss symptoms: Mrs Legler’s husband is a medical doctor.

When Dr Legler heard the symptoms, he quickly advised that Mrs Fletcher seek immediate medical care for her husband.

Simon Fletcher was officially diagnosed at the hospital a short time later as suffering from a 99-percent blockage of an artery.

If Beth Legler and Georgie Fletcher hadn’t wanted to play the game against a live opponent long ago, if they hadn’t played on that day and if Dr Legler hadn’t been present at the time, Mr Fletcher probably would not be alive today.

This isn’t the first story that has been published in some way either offline or online about chance seemingly inserting itself in a positive way in the lives of strangers, and it probably won’t be the last. At least this one is true, and it ended very, very well.

To Dr and Mrs Legler, MobilePhones.org.uk and all its staff pass along hugs to you for your conscientious attitude and generosity of spirit.

To Mr and Mrs Fletcher, we pass along our heartfelt congratulations and absolute best wishes for a very long future together, filled with happiness and good health.