Meet our stars of 2022 – a celebration of the people who make a difference and shine in our communities.
From Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Rushden, we have loved looking back at stories featured in the Northants Telegraph over the past 12 months of amazing people who go the extra mile, support those in need or are an inspiration to others.
It includes a Rushden fitness instructor in her 80s who has retired from teaching aqua aerobics to climb mountains, a woman who has helped collect presents for county children in need for two decades and a Wellingborough man who has led a team of litter pickers to keep the town looking good.
They have all made a difference to the lives of others and we are proud to have shared their stories with our readers during the year.
And we will continue to share stories like this in 2023 so if you have a tale to tell, get in touch by emailing [email protected].
9. Shining Star: Mo Easton
Mo Easton of Desborough, who has incurable ovarian cancer, visited her GP 11 times to report her symptoms before finding out why she was suffering. She waited over a year for the right diagnosis and is now living with her fourth recurrence of the deadliest gynaecological cancer – ovarian cancer. Mo was told the most heartbreaking words ‘You have incurable ovarian cancer and you’ll be on palliative care until you die’ but this hasn't stopped her from trying to help others as she is working with charity Target Ovarian Cancer to highlight its latest state-of-the-nation report highlighting lack of progress in combating the disease. She says it is so important to get this knowledge out there and help people to understand the disease, as this might mean people receive an earlier diagnosis - we wish Mo all the best in her fight to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and the symptoms. Photo: Submitted
10. Shining Star: James Crowder
James Crowder was one of the rescuers who came to the aid of an 80-year-old man lying injured after slipping on an icy pavement in Rushden this month. They rang 999 for help but after being told there would be a 14-hour wait for an ambulance, James went to get his car so he could take Bill to hospital while other good samaritans looked after him and kept him warm with blankets. Their kindness is second to none and the outcome could have been so different if it hadn't been for James and the other people who stopped to help Bill in his hour of need. Photo: National World
11. Shining Star: Jeanette Walsh
For two decades she has been 'Mother Christmas' to the children in the greatest need in the county, to make sure those with the least receive a present. And we think Jeanette Walsh is just amazing! The Northants Telegraph has worked alongside Jeanette for many years to help her collect toys and presents for county children who might have nothing at Christmas. She puts a smile on their faces and none of this would be possible without her passion, enthusiasm and dedication to help others. Photo: ALISON BAGLEY PHOTOGRAPHY 077516
12. Shining Star: Marilyn Clapham
This Shining Star award posthumously goes to Marilyn Clapham, who was involved with the Crazy Hats Breast Cancer Appeal right from the very first £5 donation at the start to over £3.4 million at its closure in 2021. Charity founder Glennis Hooper described Marilyn as ‘my right arm’ who was just brilliant in helping to run the charity. Sadly Marilyn lost her own battle with cancer last month but she will never be forgotten, especially by those of us at the Northants Telegraph who regularly saw her at fundraisers, events and the annual Crazy Hats walk at Wicksteed Park over the years. Photo: Submitted