Heroes and heroines of a troubled 2020

THE end of 2020 led, as with every year, to lots of organisations choosing their people of the year. In a fit of self-indulgence I did the same and shared my decisions with friends.

A number responded with their own choices, so I thought I would share it with fellow Mercury readers.

I excluded millions who really do deserve awards – pay rises for example - for keeping us going. Instead, I limited it to individuals who have in some way meant something very particular to me as the year went on. Men of the year: there are three. First, Brian Bilston, the “Poet Laureate of Twitter”, a new name to me. My daughter sent me his first published collection as my Father’s Day present. Laughter has been such a necessary medicine and his clever, often topical poetry provided plenty.

Secondly, Bill Bailey, winner of Strictly this year, who was such fun and gave hope to all of us beyond youthful years!

Thirdly, Marcus Rashford because I admired his commitment, persistence and articulacy as he successfully argued the case of poor families.

Women of the year: again three, none of whom I had heard of before.

The first two are Maria Gallagher and Lucy Brotherhood, teaching assistants in schools in Loughborough, both winners at the National Teaching Awards - an inspirational story about an occupation too often taken for granted.

The third woman is Rachel Lawrence, “the girl with the Pilates mat”, who became our regular YouTube Pilates teacher when we decided we should try her over-60s videos in the spring and stayed with them.

Politicians of the year: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris – because they won.

Finally, technologists of the year. Zoom started the year for me as a lollipop, but soon became a central support in enabling such precious contact with family and friends. So an award to those people who developed it and those who made it available. I wonder who others might choose?

Les Gallop, Syston