Seven stories that warmed our hearts in 2025

INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE, TOUCHING COMMUNITY EVENTS AND KIND SOULS WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE THIS YEAR

- By DEBORAH HALL

PEOPLE can often be heard to say how it seems to be bad news every time they turn on the TV or radio or scroll through the daily headlines on their mobile phone. Hull Live begs to differ.

During this season of goodwill, and as another year draws to a close, it is the perfect time to look back over the past 12 months through the many - and believe us, there have been plenty - good news stories that we have been pleased to feature on our website and in the pages of the Hull Daily Mail. Below is just a small sample of the uplifting articles we have carried.

Two East Yorkshire amputees were recognised for their inspirational charity work helping others with life-changing injuries. Sam Waddington, from Bridlington, and Rob Smith, from Hessle, received awards from charity Day One Trauma Support, after they each fundraised and volunteered for the charity that helps people who have experienced major traumatic injuries.

Sam, 36, received the Volunteer Champion Award while Rob, 39, received the Inspirational Fundraiser Award. Sam had his lower left leg amputated after a catastrophic motorbike crash near his home town in June 2013; Rob lost his right leg in a forklift accident in April 2021.

We looked back with fondness at the life and times - and truly amazing community efforts - of tiny charity stalwart Jean Bishop, as Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire declared a special day in her honour. The whole of the East Riding community was encouraged to get on board and carry on Jean's legacy, her selflessness and her incredible feats of fundraising.