Bee safe! Jean’s message to Hull as family says she is coping well during crisis
PEOPLE HAVE BEEN EXPRESSING CONCERN ABOUT CITY’S BEE LADY DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
THE coronavirus has hit the elderly harder than most which has prompted concerns for one of Hull’s best-loved characters.
Jean Bishop, Hull’s Bee Lady, has raised about £120,000 during a remarkable two decades of fundraising for Age UK.
Due to mobility problems caused by arthritis she has had to hang up the bee suit and she will be turning 98 in just a few weeks.
During the terrible pandemic which has left us all in lockdown the thoughts of many in the city have turned to Jean and her welfare during this difficult time.
But thankfully, her daughter Jennifer Baldwin has some good news for the people of Hull.
“Mum is doing well,” Jennifer said, “and she is the best she has been for a while.
“Last year she was very unwell, but she has got over that now and she is doing much better.”
Jean has always taken everything in her stride and lived through the Second World War. The coronavirus outbreak is no different.
“Of course mum has heard of everything that is going on,” Jennifer said, “but she is not overly concerned.
“She is really well looked after and surrounded by really nice people.
“She is getting to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. Her mobility isn’t what it used to be, but she is very good within herself.
“Me and my brother visit her every day and we talk to her through the window.”
The west Hull great-grandmother has captured the hearts of the city with her warmth and zest for life and, in 2017, Jean was awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to charity.
In the same year she also she met hero Bradley Walsh while appearing on Tonight At The London Palladium, dined with the Queen and received a Pride of Britain award. She also became only the second woman ever to be given the Freedom of the City.
And in keeping with her selfless character Jean is thinking about others.
“Mum has read all about what is happening and just asks if everyone else is OK,” Jennifer said.
Asked what Jean’s message would be to the people of Hull Jennifer said: “She would just tell everyone to carry on and be safe.
“Just do what is required of you and look after yourself.”