I think it's safe to say that, for very obvious reasons, 2020 has been a pretty gloomy year.

However, there have also been many heart-warming stories from the people of Frodsham, which have been a huge highlight to us at Nub News.

So, I've put together a list of just some of the lovely projects and kind gestures which have made people smile through the sadness of Covid-19.

1. Chris walked the Sandstone Trail TWICE to raise awareness of PoTS

After his wife, Clára, suffered from Postural Tachycardia Syndrome while pregnant with their twin daughters, Chris Webster was eager to help educate people about this debilitating condition.

He therefore challenged himself to walk the whole of the Sandstone Trail and back, all on his own and through the night!

You can read the full story, and find out more about PoTS here.

2. Me & Mr Jones marked the first anniversary of Thomas Cook's collapse in a very special way

Ex air stewards, Paul and Ade, who had recently set up their coffee, gifts and interiors shop on Frodsham Station, decided to offer free coffee and cake to any former crew turning up wearing a uniform from an airline no longer with us.

You can see how it went here.

3. Charlie was awarded a BEM

Local musician, Charlie Reader, who raised £1,000 for the NHS through live-streamed gigs, was recognised for his efforts with a British Empire Medal in October.

You can read Charlie's reaction to the news here.

4. Zan and Evie raised an incredible amount for the NHS

Local mum and daughter team, Zan and Evie Stanton, who had already raised a whopping £2,000 for the NHS over the spring, decided to continue the project by making and selling Christmas decorations. 50 per cent of profits were then gifted to local health workers.

The full story is available here.

5. BillieJo shaved her head for the Pink Ribbon Foundation

Following her mother's breast cancer diagnosis, local tattoo artist, Billie Jo English, shaved off her 26 inches of hair to raise money for the Pink Ribbon Foundation.

Billie raised over £4,000 in all, and donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust, who make wigs for children who have lost their hair through illness.

You can find out more about Billie's story here.

6. Dawn made 350 sets of scrubs for the NHS

Having been forced to shut her shop, The Elizabeth Arnold Sewing Studio, during the first lockdown in March, Dawn Farrell was keen to join the fight against Covid-19.

With the help of fabric donations, public contributions to a GoFundMe page and her sister Sandra, she ran up 350 sets of scrubs, 400 wash bags and 300 face coverings, to be distributed among local hospitals.

Read more here.

7. Frodsham celebrated Freda's 100th birthday

When Newton Hall Care Home asked the people of Frodsham to wish resident Freda Vaughn a happy 100th birthday, they did not disappoint.

Local residents were quick to send in cards, as well as offers of flowers, balloons, cupcakes, and even a new hairdo for Freda!

Read the story here.

8. A kind father and son cleared Frodsham Caves of litter

On a first visit to Frodsham caves, Tim Kynaston was amazed by their "stunning" appearance, but dismayed to find them covered in litter.

So, he later returned with his Dad, William, and spent the whole day gathering up 10 bags of rubbish.

What a kind thing to do!

You can read Tim and William's account here.

9. Lee topped the charts with 'Hit Me Like a Rock in the Head'

Local country musician, Lee Shone, topped the Country Thunder Network's international chart with a song from his album Never Sing the Blues Again.

You can read the full story here.

And finally...

Yesterday we posted an article about Oscar, Blake and Caleb, three young members of the 1st Helsby Scout Group, who had been commended for their brave stand against a local act of vandalism with the Chief Scout's Personal Award.

A huge well done to the boys for giving everyone something to smile about.

You can read the full story here