Throughout the year, local people stepped up in extraordinary ways, whether through fundraising, innovation, personal challenge or simply bringing joy to others.
From life-changing charity efforts to moments of everyday inspiration, these stories reminded us of the power of individuals to make a difference.
Below are some of the inspiring south east Londoners we celebrated in 2025.
Long Island Ink hosted a moving fundraiser aimed at breaking the stigma surrounding suicide.
Organised by Megan Pitchford in memory of her brother-in-law Curtis, the event brought people together through love, remembrance and openness.
Curtis, who died aged 25 in March 2024, had been a well-known and much-loved face at the Blue Diamond Café in Morden.
Even a year on, his impact was still being felt, with friends and customers continuing to share stories of how he brightened their lives.
From Elephant and Castle, student Kidus Tesera captured attention after cycling 780 miles across the UK on a handmade wooden bike built almost entirely from recycled materials.
Inspired while repairing bikes at Imperial College, the 24-year-old biochemistry student spent months assembling the unique creation, despite scepticism from others.
His journey raised money for charity and proved that innovation, determination and sustainability could go hand in hand.
In Bexley, Karen Bayley showed extraordinary devotion as she continued to raise funds to support her husband Gareth, who was left with Locked-In Syndrome following a stroke at the age of 38.
Her GoFundMe campaign aimed to fund specialist rehabilitation equipment, including a functional electrical stimulation bike, to help Gareth regain movement and improve his quality of life.
Karen’s efforts highlighted the strength of families facing life-changing illness.
Meanwhile in Eltham, brothers Sonny and Oscar Butler committed to running the Cape Town Marathon in honour of their mum, Tracey, who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at just 56.
Although the marathon was set for 2026, the brothers spent 2025 raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK, hoping to shine a light on younger people affected by dementia and the families supporting them.
And in Sidcup, a baby born with a full head of hair inspired something a little lighter but no less heart-warming.
Terry, born in January, became the muse for his mum Nicola Spencer’s book of playful rhymes.
What began as a family joke during maternity leave grew into a published project, turning everyday joy into a creative celebration of early parenthood.
