There have been countless inspirational stories to come out of Peterborough this year.
In February, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine saw Peterborough welcome refugees from the war-torn country to the city with open arms. Refugees, such as the Yaschenko family, told the Peterborough Telegraph of the horrors of war – sharing stories of the terror of being shot at and having their home bombed, before moving to a safer new home in Peterborough.
The conflict saw a couple from Thorney rescue their pet cat, Muchik, from their former family home in Irpin, Ukraine. Muchik’s great escape involved travelling 2,500 miles through five different European countries before being reunited with his family.
There have been child heroes who have saved the lives of family members, a sepsis survivor turned social media sensation who has used her platform to raise awareness of the condition, and charities, volunteers and individuals doing excellent work in the community.
Here are 12 of the most inspirational people and moments in Peterborough this year:
9. Cocoa Fowler - Food for Nought
Cocoa Fowler is the founder of Food for Nought - a charity which has been saving surplus food from supermarkets and farms from going to landfill by delivering it to food banks for those in need during the cost of living crisis. The charity has been delivering over 1,000 meals a week, spread across 12 food banks and community fridges in Peterborough. Photo: PT
10. 'Hero' Kai Liddle
Rhiannon Liddle, 32, was at her Westwood home on the morning of March 11 when she suffered a stroke. Rhiannon lives with son Kai, 11, who was on hand to save her life. Kai administered first aid - putting his mum in the recovery position - before calling an ambulance. Rhiannon was taken to hospital before making a full recovery. Photo: PT
11. Life-saver Chloe Buddle
Chloe Buddle, 6, from Sawtry, was sleeping over at her diabetic grandmother Julie Hall's house, in Stanground, when she woke up at 2am to find that her nan had fallen out of bed and collapsed. Julie, 58, suffered a seizure, in October, because of dangerously low blood sugar, but her Sawtry Infant School granddaughter was able to alert a housing provider, who called emergency services on 999. Cambridgeshire Police described Chloe as a "role model" for other children. Photo: PT
12. Community came together for Kyran Reading
The community came together to raise £19,000 to support the family of Kyran Reading, who passed away aged 10, in March this year. Kyran attended William Law CE Primary School and was a keen footballer who played for Gunthorpe Harriers (team pictured). The money raised went to his mum Nikisha Farrell, and her two son’s, Jayden, 9, and Jaxon, 6. Photo: David Lowndes