FROM THE EDITOR: Why minutes spared to be kind is always time very well spent

Let’s celebrate! Who? Us, Sheffielders of all ages. Why? Because there is much to cheer about.
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Most of us don't take time out often enough to spread joy to other people and those who praise all – young, old and in-between – are very rare.

Throughout lockdown, there have been plenty of lows but also incredible stories of overcoming problems to help each other. The memories from those who are celebrating their 100th birthdays in such extraordinary circumstances have spread delight.

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Age has certainly not stopped people from making PPE when desperately needed and providing a rock of support in their community, even when they can’t step over their own doorstep. The same is true of the children who have been fundraising for charity.

Nine-year-old Tobias Weller, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has collected an incredible £42,000 for Paces School and Sheffield Children’s Hospital as he aims to complete a marathon without leaving his street in Sheffield.Nine-year-old Tobias Weller, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has collected an incredible £42,000 for Paces School and Sheffield Children’s Hospital as he aims to complete a marathon without leaving his street in Sheffield.
Nine-year-old Tobias Weller, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has collected an incredible £42,000 for Paces School and Sheffield Children’s Hospital as he aims to complete a marathon without leaving his street in Sheffield.

It isn’t easy for anybody but most youngsters have supported their friends as well as trying to help their families more than usual. We have also seen incredible tales of fundraising, despite their young years. Perhaps, the generations have more in common than we usually care to acknowledge.

There are so many to celebrate but in particular, as we approach his grand finale on Sunday, let's cheer on Tobias Weller, aged nine, who has cerebral palsy and autism, but has almost completed a marathon, without leaving his street.

He has collected an incredible £42,000 so far for Paces School and Sheffield Children’s Hospital. I can’t wait to see his final total and photos from the celebrations that will surround him when he crosses that last finish line. What a great example of young Sheffielders who are desperate to help others and so talented at doing just that.

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So, while you are enjoying those wonderful stories, please also take time to appreciate the folk around you - even when they aren't in your immediate vicinity because of the pandemic rules.

We all deserve thanks and appreciation, just for getting through as well as for remarkable acts of kindness.

I have never met anybody who doesn’t appreciate a compliment. I know plenty who aren’t very good at accepting them, partly because a lot of us don’t bother to say nice things as often as we should. Go on, turn to whoever you are in lockdown with, pick up the phone or dial into a Zoom call and say something nice.