Feeling so good about Wearside

The feelgood factor was simply oozing from every nook and cranny of the Stadium of Light last night ... and for good reason.

The venue was packed to the rafters with the Best of Wearside and the place simply glowed with positivity.

And it’s not a glib comment, but a palpable truth.

Studies have shown that doing good things for others makes you happier.

And happiness, as we know, is contagious.

Last night we honoured a room full of people who have done good things for others, and we couldn’t contain the outbreak of happiness it released.

Some had gone that extra mile to help others, while others, just by their inspiring acts and personal battles, had done the same.

Pick any name from the list of winners and you couldn’t fail to be inspired and impressed.

Little battler Bradley Lowery is now a familiar face on these pages, but there were other equally uplifting and inspiring stories told last night.

From fundraiser Tara Middleton to volunteers Ann and Robert Lillie, there was no shortage of Wearside wonders.

Our awards ceremony is emotional and uplifting, but we also hope it reaches out to the whole of our community.

We honour the unsung heroes of Wearside in the hope that their stories inspire others to not only recognise the great work being done on our doorstep, but to encourage everyone to do their bit.

No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.

So why not go out into the community and make it a better place to live? It works wonders for your community.

Well done all our Best of Wearside winners. You’ve made us all feel good today.