As we reflect upon 2017 there is no escaping the fact that for many, this has been a year of inexplicable sadness.
Communities nationwide have been left in shock following the devastating events of Grenfell Tower, the London Bridge Terror attack and of course Manchester.
We have stood united in grief as 14-year-old Eilidh MacLeod was flown home to the isle of Barra, having died on a birthday trip to see Ariana Grande.
As her coffin was carried across the beach of an island which had previously been unscathed by terror, there was one resounding glimmer of hope which lay in the community. Most of the 1,000-strong population turned out for the schoolgirl’s funeral and similar demonstrations of unity have been displayed across the country.
Regardless of what the world has thrown at us, from the general election to the wrangling of Brexit, we have continued to carry on with our lives.
The late Fred Rogers perhaps captured human nature most accurately when repeating his mother’s words: “Always look for the helpers.”
Closer to home we have witnessed such helpers every single week in YL, from inspiring campaigns to those who have triumphed against adversity.
It is all too easy to focus only on the bad but to do so would be a disservice to you, the readers.
It is inevitable that 2018 will see yet more suffering but if we continue in our determination to do good, just maybe the load will become a little more bearable.
From all of us at YL, we wish you a very happy New Year.
CANCER SUFFERER’S OPEN LETTER
Emily Findlay became a viral sensation when she was called out for parking in a disabled space at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
The 22-year-old has been fighting cancer for almost eight years and was verbally abused by a stranger for her use of a disabled badge and subsequent space.
Her response, to write an open letter which was first published on these pages, saw thousands of people voice their support for her situation.
Emily hopes her poignant words raised more awareness about invisible illnesses and she continues to fund raise for charities including Friends of Anchor and The Archie Foundation.
“Yes, I look able bodied, but I can assure you I have every right to use my Blue Badge,” she said.
“I am not too lazy to walk, with apparent disregard for people who may desperately need that space.
“Yes, I am a young, vibrant, confident 22-year-old woman but I also just happen to have cancer.”
Read the full article here
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
The Oxygen Works in Inverness has provided hope for thousands of people since opening 25 years ago. The charity, which was set up by volunteers, offers a range of therapies, alongside the use of an Oxygen Chamber.
It helps people both young and old, including eight-year-old Cody Buchanan. The youngster has taken his first steps unaided thanks to the work of dedicated staff at the centre.
Mum-of-three Sheena McLellan also credits the centre with helping her get her life back on track after she was diagnosed with Lyme Disease – and left using a wheelchair.
Staff at The Oxygen Works are hopeful of extending their premises come 2018 so they can help even more people battling life-changing illnesses.
DISABLED CLIMBER BLAZING A TRAIL
Kev Shields was born with no fingers on his left hand and was diagnosed with epilepsy in later life.
He hasn’t let that hold him back from becoming a renowned ice climber and scales sheer rock faces with a specially adapted ice pick.
“My mum and dad didn’t know about my hand before I was born but they had a very matter-of-fact attitude about it,” he said.
“They made it very clear I wouldn’t get special treatment and not having a hand was a reason to prove people wrong.”
Kev was the first Scot to take part in an Ice Climbing World Cup Competition.
He says his proudest achievement is in fact his Blue Peter Badge!
CHANGING FACE OF RELIGION
Trainee primary school teacher Kirstin Williamson is often asked about her faith.
As a practising Christian, her faith is entwined in her way of life and yet Kirstin is perhaps now seen as unusual.
A recent survey shows that more than half of people living in Britain class themselves as having no religion.
Community youth groups have said the statistics are misleading however, and people simply practise religion differently.
Reverend Ian MacDonald is the minister for Westray and Papa Westray. He believes people still turn to religion in times of crisis.
“Everyone has spiritual needs and those big questions still exist,” he said.
Read the full story here
SPEAKING OUT ON SEPSIS
Stephanie Bain will bring in the ringing of the bells in the knowledge that her brother did not live to see 2018.
Dylan died from sepsis before he could celebrate his 16th birthday and the deadly disease took his life in two short weeks.
He also battled leukaemia throughout his childhood and following relapse, he was determined to fight again.
Stephanie says the family are still coming to terms with his death but she has made it her mission to raise awareness about sepsis.
“Dylan faced so many bumps in the road and we do believe that he was telling us enough is enough,” she said.
“If I can reduce the amount of pain for just one family by telling his story, than we can continue to move forward.”
Read the full story here
DANCE TO SUCCESS
Harris Beattie trains six days a week as a ballet dancer and is breaking down stereotypes in the process.
The young dancer from Cults won three prestigious awards at the Genee International Ballet Competition earlier this year.
He is the first dancer to have scooped all three awards in 86 years and competed against 52 dancers who hailed from 14 countries.
Read the full story here
A REMARKABLE FRIENDSHIP
To watch George Whyte and Mark Johnson is to witness two close friends who have known each other for years.
The pair actually only met earlier this year, after Mark was put in touch with 95-year-old George as part of a befriending scheme.
George’s social interaction was limited to 15-minute care worker slots and he was effectively a prisoner in his own home, until Mark came along.
From day trips to doing the weekly food shop, Mark and George now meet up regularly and George says the friendship has changed his life.
“I have been retired for 29 years and it can be incredibly lonely because there is no one at home, no one to talk to in the evenings,” said George.
Mark volunteers with the Aberdeenshire Branch of The Royal Voluntary Service which is a national charity.
Read the full story here
FINDING LOVE
Dating can be difficult at the best of times, but how do you find love when you have a learning disability?
A charity project in Aberdeen is tackling the struggle to find new friends and partners.
Dates-n-Mates promotes opportunities for people with learning disabilities in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to form friendships, socialise with others, experience dating and find love.
The initiative has seen people of various ages and abilities embark on dating for the very first time.
For Rosalind Hawkey, the group has completely changed her life as she had never dated before joining despite keeping busy with numerous social activities.
“In my eyes there is so much challenge, I have a learning disability and other conditions,” she said.
“It can make dating and my life in general really difficult, but when I come to Dates-n-Mates I feel normal.
“I don’t think about my problems and I can actually believe that I have a brilliant personality and a lot to offer someone.”
THE WAR ON FOOD WASTE
Every Friday people come together at Torry Community Centre and sit down to a three-course meal, completely free of charge.
The project was launched in October in a bid to tackle food waste, as all ingredients would otherwise have been sent to landfill.
Supplies come from the social enterprise Community Food Initiatives North East and the evening has grown increasingly popular with each passing week.
The project is managed by Betty Lyon who decides the menu and teaches fellow volunteers how to cook.
“I’m not a professional chef but I’ve always loved simple home cooking,” she said.
“Within weeks of launching the project it grew arms and legs; I knew we were on to something when 27 people turned up and they’ve been coming ever since.”
Read the full story here
TACKLING HOMELESSNESS
Aberdeen Cyrenians offered extended opening hours this winter, in a bid to give those sleeping on the streets somewhere safe and warm to go.
Chief executive of the charity Mike Burns has called for a multi-agency approach come 2018.
A shocking number of people are facing life on the streets and Mike believes people needed to be offered accommodation before support is put in place.
Read the full story here.
WHEN THE BOAT COMES IN
It has been a trying year for those landing their catch at Peterhead fish market; and the industry has almost been destroyed by fishing quotas and the rapidly changing modern world.
There is hope that the tides have finally changed after some incredibly tough years however, and it is perhaps the sheer grit and determination of the fishermen themselves which has seen them through.
Fisherman Stephen Bruce has launched Peterhead Fishing Company, and sells his twin brother’s catch across the north-east.
“There have been so many changes since I was a lad, some for the worse and some for the better,” he said.
“Fishing is a completely different way of life, I tried my hand at an office job but having been in business for a year I can honestly say that fishing is what makes me happy.”
Read the full story here.
A MOTHER’S LOVE
Every year around 750 babies are born with Down’s syndrome, with an estimated 40,000 people living with the condition in the UK.
Aberdeen mum-of-three Irena Boettcher was repeatedly offered an abortion when she became pregnant with her daughter, Kirsten, who has Down’s.
The diagnosis made no difference to Irene, and she has gone on to adopt Pascal who also has the condition.
“Someone once asked me why I hadn’t put Kirsten in a home, other people say I’m crazy for having two children with Down’s syndrome,” said Irene.
“I see all the wonderful things in my children though, Kirsten and Pascal will never know what it’s like to intentionally hurt someone.
“They simply don’t know what it is to be mean, and that’s a pretty wonderful thing.”