It’s always inspiring to be shown how people manage to overcome difficulties, to undertake a challenging project or to just get out there and ‘do something’ which is… inspiring.
Over the last year, the Champions Awards website has attempted to highlight some of these actions and the people behind them, whether it’s sharing Christmas cheer across the Sid Valley, or recognising how our families are our champions, or meeting the Active Devon’s cycling champion. And at the end of 2025, we looked at a year of local champions.
Such stories can help us to “future-proof Sidmouth” – in that stories about “doing good” can make the rest of us feel that we can also go beyond what is expected. By championing our champions, we can inspire ourselves to do better – and so make us a little more resilient to life’s tribulations. Seeing people acting out whatever hopes and dreams gives us a palpable sense of agency.
There are plenty of such stories to be read online: Inspiring Stories of Overcoming Challenges and 9 Inspiring Stories of Overcoming Obstacles.
But if we have stories of local heroes overcoming whatever it might be, then that really brings it home.
And just a look at the latest news in the Herald shows us what is possible – including the Honiton charity chairman Martin Davies “honoured” by a CBE, or the Sidmouth Community Christmas Lunch being such a popular event, or the Devon carers celebrated for long service and dedication.
Here’s to more such stories in 2026!
And here’s wishing you all a Happy New Year!