From charitable gestures to acts of friendship and funny ideas that have provided a much-needed distraction from the bleak headlines, here are 10 examples demonstrating how Sheffielders have shone during the pandemic.
In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.
1. Reaching out across the generations
Cub Scouts and care home residents in Sheffield struck up pen pal friendships in July to reduce loneliness. Members of Sheffield’s Fulwood Scout Group wrote to those living at The Laurels and The Limes Care Home, on Manchester Road, Broomhill. Margaret Young is pictured with her rainbow card. Photo: Submitted
2. Captain Tobias' marathon effort
Tobias Weller, aged nine, of Beauchief, raised £150,000 for Sheffield Children's Hospital and Paces specialist school by walking two marathons earlier this year. He was nicknamed Captain Tobias in a nod to Captain Sir Thomas Moore, the former British Army officer and centenarian who has also raised money in the pandemic. Photo: Joe Giddens
3. Owls group gives back
Sheffield Wednesday supporters group Wednesdayite pledged to donate £20,000 to struggling organisations hit hard by the pandemic. It was reimbursed £19,800 in business rates from Sheffield Council - the refund was for a bill they were hit with for a Penistone Road car park they ran on matchdays, which was used by their members. Handsworth FC were the first beneficiaries of Wednesdayite’s generosity. The group's director and chair Paul Holmes is pictured with councillors Robert Johnson and Mazher Iqbal. Photo: Paul Holmes
4. An extra special lockdown birthday
Sheffield music fan Erin Goodhand turned 11 during lockdown - so Tramlines boss Timm Cleasby made sure she had a birthday to remember by taking her some commemorative festival T-shirts and hoodies to add to her collection. "He has gone over and above to make her birthday the best ever," said Erin's mum Helen at the time. Photo: Tramlines