THIS year has been filled with bad news and depressing forecasts.
But amid the doom and gloom, uplifting stories of unlikely friendships, inspiring work and people coming together have emerged.
As part of The Sun’s Christmas Together campaign – which combats loneliness and tries to help those feeling vulnerable this winter – we’re celebrating your acts of kindness and spirit of positivity.
As we-round up some of the most heartening and inspirational tales from around the country, we want to hear from YOU.
Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond to put a smile on people’s faces? Or perhaps you want to thank an unsung hero whose generosity recently brightened up your day.
We’ll be featuring the most moving stories here and each week we’ll select a hero to receive £100.
Here are the small and cheering deeds which have made a big difference…
The family band who recorded a Christmas hit during lockdown
The six Thompsons – otherwise known as 6T6 – had wanted to record a song for a number a years but with plenty of time on their hands during lockdown, their dream became a reality.
The lyrics of ‘It’s a Shared Christmas’ reflect that this year’s holiday season will be far from ordinary: “Rudolph’s told to isolate”, “you can’t give the gift of quarantine” and “nowhere else to go”.
Mum, Alicia, from Hampshire says: “The original aim was to have a bit of fun together and make some memories, but the response since been really positive.
“We now have our minds set on world domination – however, if we can cheer a few people up after such a horrible year, then we’ll settle for that along the way!”
Minster who feeds the homeless and helped passer-by during a panic attack
Life coach Nick Hatter, 29 has nominated the senior minister of Westbourne Grove Church, NW London, Chris Thackery.
Nick says: “During lockdown, while most of us were moaning and binging on Netflix, Chris and his team were giving out free hot meals to the homeless.
“I had a panic attack about six months ago and I serendipitously met him outside his church, where he helped calm me down.
“I was triggered by a particularly traumatic memory and living alone in isolation in lockdown didn’t help. I explained what happened, he prayed for me, and just listened, and gave me lots of empathy.
“Ever since, we’ve been speaking every week for an hour. Even when I can’t get to see him in person he continues to supports me remotely with weekly phone calls – all free of charge.
“Knowing Chris, the humble dude he is, he will deny he is a saint. But he’s certainly an exceptional example of how to be a decent human being. If I can attain even half his humility, patience as well as his kind and generous nature, I’d be pleased.”
How to nominate a hero
Tell us in no more than 150 words about your hero and what they’ve done.
You can submit through the webform at the bottom of this article or by emailing christmastogether@the-sun.co.uk
If nominating by email please include your name, age, where you’re from, your hero’s name, plus a photo of them.
Please only send information that you – and they – are happy to have published online and in print.
Drivers deliver kindness to lonely doorsteps
As 1 in 4 people have said they looked forward to their grocery delivery just to have someone to talk to, Asda has introduced an initiative to help combat isolation.
Delivery drivers can add a ‘Happy to Chat’ badge to their uniforms to indicate they’d be glad to spend a few minutes with someone who feels lonely. They’ve also been given guidance from the Royal Volunteer Service to spot signs of loneliness.
The supermarket will also be working with local school children to create Christmas cards for local care homes. Special post boxes will be available in larger stores for customers wishing to get involved.
Eight year-old who saved her mum’s life
Former police officer Helen Hignett, 38, from Cheshire is very proud of daughter Mia, 8.
Helen says: “In October I was at home with my two daughters Mia and Ava, one, when I collapsed and had a seizure. I have never had a seizure before.
“Mia heard the loud bang and came upstairs where she found me unresponsive and fitting on the bedroom floor. My airway was blocked due to the ” foam ” from my mouth.
“Mia phoned for the ambulance and followed their instructions, remaining calm at all times. She placed me on my back and tilted my head to clear my airways. Then she placed me in the recovery position.
“Mia did all this while keeping her one-year-old sister calm and protected, informed the call handler of our home address, then locked her sister in a safe place while she opened the door for the police and ambulance crew.
“When I returned from the hospital a few days later, only then did Mia break down and tell me how she thought she has lost her mummy and it was the most scary time of her life.
“My daughter saved my life that day and her actions were of that way beyond her young years. As you can imagine, I am the proudest mummy you could ever imagine.”
The Sun’s Christmas Together campaign
THIS Christmas we are teaming up with the Together Campaign, a coalition of community groups and organisations, and Royal Voluntary Service to combat loneliness.
And we want to recruit an army of volunteers to support those feeling cut off, anxious and isolated, this Christmas.
Could YOU reach out to someone who might be struggling and alone?
It might be someone you know in your own life or community who needs support.
Or we can connect you with someone in need through the NHS Volunteer responder programme run by the NHS, Royal Voluntary Service and the GoodSAM app.
Could you give up half an hour to make a call and chat with someone feeling isolated? Or could you volunteer to deliver essential shopping or festive treats?
Go to nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk/christmastogether to sign up as a volunteer.
You will then receive an email taking you through the sign up process and be asked to download the responder app which will match you to those in need in your area.
Don’t worry if you don’t get a job straight away, because jobs are matched according to the need local to you. Being ready to help is what really matters.