Beat The Odds by Hull Truck Theatre

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Dear Hull Hero,

person next to you. This letter has Yes, that’s you! Stop looking at the written especially for you, no joke, fallen into the correct lap, it’s been not a trap. away. But keep on reading friend, A hero? You question, scoff and look for you, a message I wish to convey. near a kept shrine. You have the people You have your icons, in your mind the of k thin turn out just fine. You and dear to you that have helped you k of brothers, sisters, fathers and thin word hero and see it in others, you nd who is always there, or the doctors mothers. You think of that one frie r care. You think of those who risk thei and nurses who work tirelessly and ma or kicked a vice. lives or those who have faced trau e bracket. You don’t hold yourself up in this sam or racket. Just getting on, not making any fuss s it e a think. Life goes fast, you can mis Just take a moment, breathe. Hav in a blink. r yourself and cast your mind over you So just take a second, some time to own troubles and strife.

Deep breath in: One, two, three. Ohhhhhh. Release with an, Ahhhhhhhh or an Sigh it out, let it be. . wing. You’ll have been someone’s hero There is no doubt, that without kno ed anybody, ever? Zilch, zero? You're telling me you’ve never help that high supermarket shelf, you That time you held the door, reached know, let’s remind us. of kindness... They are called selfless random acts

Dear Hull Hero

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g there on the end of the phone. Putting others before yourself. Bein else is more in need. Cancelling plans because somebody big, no skin off your nose, just nice You don’t register this as something isn’t it? To do a good deed! ic you’ve made that other But what you don’t realise is how mag person feel. , you, the person that helped them They will remember those moments to deal. Trust when I tell you, in their mind, For them, forever memories made? you wont fade. to them, you are special. They will remember you always and popped on the kettle. Could be as simple as that time, you a person who is admired for The dictionary definition of Hero is their courage.

es etimes just face the day. Sometim Tell me, don’t we need courage to som . it’s hard, we feel some kind of way s of le, trying to hold tight onto the rein Everybody is fighting their own batt life can be like herding cattle. you use in a day. You’ll be surprised how much courage know a difficult day lies ahead. Courage to leave the house when you for ’t aid you go and courage to search Courage to let the people who don those that will enhance you. , the dog. That you’re not happy. Courage to tell your boss, a partner . That you love them. Despite the Courage to tell the person you love outcome. . Courage to turn up and just do you Courage to be brave. Brave, that’s you.

es all

people are heroes, daily hero People are brave every day. Brave around us in so many ways.

Dear Hull Hero

You think there are others more wor thy of the title. For you are just an average, ‘normal ’ person, when all is said and done. Though you are not. We are all hero es that go mostly unsung. Like Bowie did so rightly say... “We can be heroes, just for one day .” So don’t look around, scoff or put this letter down. Turn up the corners of your mouth, smile and ditch that frown. Do what you will, with my message. But, please believe me when I say. .. You are a Hero!

Even if it’s just for today.

Yours sincerely, Yourself xx

rie Dear Hull Hero was written by Ker er L Marsh. Kerrie is a Writer, Perform and Creative Doer from Hull who has an worked with Hull Truck Theatre as her artist-in-residence. You can find work at www.kerrielmarsh.com

Kerrie L Marsh hulltruck.co.uk

Welcome

At Hull Truck Theatre we often tell the stories of our city. With so many local legends, there are plenty to pick from:

▶ Amy Johnson being the first woman to fly solo from London to Australia ▶ Jean Bishop, Hull’s Bee Lady ▶ Lillian Bilocca and the Headscarf Revolutionaries ▶ Bob Carver’s famous patties ▶ Dean Windass and that golden goal ▶ Battling Barbara Buttrick’s fighting spirit ▶ William Wilberforce’s force for change

Dear Hull Hero

But for every story we tell, hundreds are untold.

This zine is full of these untold stories; our unsung heroes. Inspired by the likes of Amy Johnson, we wanted to celebrate the triumphs and accomplishments of the people of Hull. In these pages you will find our painted Placards of Positivity alongside Story Submissions from local communities. We hope you are as inspired by our communities as we are.

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My little sister “ ” My sister Alexandra has worked in care for a couple of years and continued to work throughout the lockdown of Covid-19. Although she had 3 children, she continued her career and now she has applied and been given a job at Hull Royal Infirmary, I’m very proud of her.

- Chelsea

Dear Hull Hero

Thank you NHS! by Patricia-Ann

3 years ago, I was very poorly with COPD, I had smoked for 42 years, stopped smoking, moved home, retired, lost my mum, joined Hessle Road Network, and learned how to use a computer. I saw an advert for Brave the Shave and thought I can do that. I made a bag at Hessle Road Network saying Brave the Shave but the day of the shave I said to my friends “It will be my luck to get cancer”. 3 months later, I found out I had lung cancer, I got an appointment through to have my lung removed, but fell and broke my hip, which meant I needed a full hip replacement so couldn’t have the lung operation until I had recovered from that. I went into hospital for the lung removal and was supposed to be there for 1 week, but there were problems afterwards and I ended having to have more operations and stay in hospital much longer. In total I had 4 operations in 4 months, and then chemotherapy. On Christmas Eve I was told there was no sign of cancer, that was 1 year ago, all in lockdown. Now here I am, back at my lovely Network with all my hair. Thank you, NHS!

From Patricia–Ann X

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Dear Hull Hero

Carers by Leonie Thompson

Me amongst thousands of other people worked caring for elderly and vulnerable adults during the pandemic. I was pregnant and vulnerable myself as I became diabetic whilst pregnant but continued work as I knew staying inside would really affect my mental health. During the pandemic, I struggled to watch people I loved and cared for struggle not seeing family and friends as this is a big part of their daily lives. I comforted them, loved them, and cared for them like they were my own mum or dad. Through the pandemic I overcame some of my own anxieties to make the people who I cared for happy. The pandemic was a very sad, stressful time for everyone, and I will never forget the people I loved and cared for who lost their lives during this time.

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Hessle Road Network Once upon a time there was a magical place called Hessle Road Network. At Hessle Road Network, everyone was appreciated and looked out for. Whether it was the Monday morning group, Tuesday lunch time or Wednesday night Youth Session, the team were always available to offer advice and listen to their members concerns. Groups can often be seen, painting, puzzling, crafting, quizzing or even playing dominoes. People trade skills, learning to sew or garden and they listen to each other’s stories. There always plenty of tea or coffee and there’s usually some treats from Greggs, while members teach each other new talents. Hessle Road Network brings people together, for friendship and company, for a game of Dominoes or a cuppa. It’s vital to its community and without it, many people’s lives would be a little bit duller.

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Refugee at sea Give me buckets and buckets, Of mettle and courage, To get myself over the sea. Please make me feel welcome, Make viciousness seldom, Safety for my family and me.

Two Way Street – part of the Goodwin Development Trust – works with refugees and economic migrants to identify and overcome potential barriers to their personal, social, and educational development.

Dear Hull Hero

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Dear Hull Hero

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Dear Hull Hero

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Andy’s story

people tours of Yorkshire’s Whether helping strangers or giving s Andy shows is ever present. stunning outdoor areas, the kindnes at the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust His work as Outer Humber Officer ul settings, helping people to means he is often walking in beautif ts. Andy has a great knowledge learn more about their environmen discusses this during the nature of migration in animals and often refugees new to the area, walks. Many of these walks are with e about the areas they’ve helping them learn English, learn mor their community. with es moved to and familiarise themselv life and the nature settings he The knowledge Andy has about wild feel closer to nature and more explores with families, help people ned from the families he works connected. But Andy has also lear a hedgehog (or a porcupine when with. For example, he learned that only animals that translates you get to North Africa) is one of the ld. to almost every country in the wor

Dear Hull Hero

Danny’s story “Achievement” can mean different things to different people. Sometimes it can involve reaching your greatest potential or accomplishing your much-sought-after goal but also for many people, “achievement” may just mean carrying on despite of difficult circumstances. When things are difficult and times are hard, we shouldn’t ignore the strength that some people show by finding the energy and will to simply put on their shoes and walk out the door in the morning. This was certainly true for Danny. Danny lost his parents but still found the force to complete his studies whilst teaching football across Europe for two years living in France, Belgium, and Holland. It seems that during this period, Danny found his passion. Upon returning to the UK, Danny got a job as a Teacher/Coach at Goole College and – after Danny’s boss set up a foundation abroad – was able to take vulnerable young people to Egypt to work with disabled children and mistreated animals. It seems things came full circle. Danny was a young man who found hope and encouragement from exploring different cultures and now years later, here he was, offering the same experience to other young people in need of inspiration.

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Dear Hull Hero

Unity in the Community

Not many groups have as fitting a name as Unity in the Community. Just down Endike Lane, there is a centre that is a hub for its community, providing internet access and support for many members. Some people use it to improve their computer skills, some people use it to gain new qualifications or do training, and some people use it for a catch-up with friends and good old game of bingo. Dennis, bingo caller extraordinaire and general manager at Unity in the Community, is the constant at UiC: picking people up, dropping them back home and helping in any way he can. Without the help of Unity in the Community and Dennis, the bingo nights would be sorely missed.

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Charleigh’s story When asked to think about her achievements, Charleigh immediately thinks of her family. She thinks about how young she was when she had her first child, when one became two, two became three and when her fourth child completed the set. As Charleigh ponders the years growing her own family, she thinks about how over the years she also gained a second family in the fundraising community. She thinks about an amazing local charity that formed from the tragic loss of a friend, the RICH Foundation. The RICH foundation was created by Kayleigh Pepper in memory of her brother Richard, who was stabbed to death outside his home in 2015. The charity aims to help & support those who have lost a loved one and to offer the support Richard’s family felt wasn’t available to them. Charleigh thinks really highly of RICH Foundation’s work. Including their work running anti-knife crime campaigns discouraging the carrying of knives. Charleigh has done a lot of fundraising for the no knives campaign and still does. She intends to keep going as long as she possibly can.

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Dear Hull Hero

Phil’s story At school, like many of us, Phil didn’t see himself as academic but.. If you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will forever think that it’s an idiot. Phil’s talents and intelligence lay outside of the school setting and Phil would discover these when he would leave school early and join the RAF, at the age of 15. At just 15, Phil was on the greener side of the blue and red Royal Air Force, so much so that initially Phil was too young to hold rank and was given the status of an apprentice. Phil’s academic prowess was later unlocked, as Phil began to work offshore and became a support technician for divers. Chemistry was no longer just a lesson at school but a case of life and death for the divers he was supporting; the complex blend of chemicals and gas pressures needing to be exactly right or the risk of grave danger. And do you think Phil was finished there? Absolutely not! Phil would finish his career as a sky diving instructor. So, let’s not judge this fish on its ability to climb a tree, because Phil is an intelligent, hardworking, talented, proud member of the Royal Air Force who jumps out of planes - for fun!

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Victor’s story The expectations were always going to be high with a name like ‘Victor’. Victorious, winner, champion, successful, legend. Our ‘Victor’, joined the army in 1965 at the age of 18 and would do a manner of roles whilst serving in the army, including repairing cars and running a welfare minibus; Victor would run important trips taking young children to nursery and school and escorting pregnant women to the hospitals, right before they would give birth! Victor’s return trips would then include an extra passenger. Following his time in the army, Victor became a bus and lorry driver. One day though, in a shocking accident, Victor fell off the top of a truck. Victor was hospitalised and told that his head would take decades to heal. Well Victor absolutely demonstrated why he was named Victor, for he worked tirelessly in the hospital every day to get back to full fitness. Every day he would ask a nurse to take him walking round the hospital. He was determined to get better and get out of hospital. “I’m still smiling” he says now, with a victorious smile. Since then, Victor has gone on to raise incredible amounts of money for the Veteran Support Centre, the Poppy Appeal and other important charities. Victor proves every day that despite hardship, there is a winner, a champion, and a legend in all of us!

Dear Hull Hero

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Dear Hull Hero

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St Michael’s Youth Project

Once upon a time there was a place called St Michael’s Youth Project. At St Mike’s, children have a place to have fun and learn new skills. With messy play time for smaller ones, and games for older children, there’s something for everyone. Learning how fish, or swim, exploring the outdoors and getting a grasp on cooking in a kitchen, there are always new experiences to be had. Adults meet up for lunch and a chat, to play games or quiz. There would be much less fun in the area without St Mike’s sessions.

Dear Hull Hero

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Dear Hull Hero

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Dear Hull Hero

My First Car by Jackie

I desperately wanted a car, and as a young 22-year-old I had to come up with a plan to make my dream come true. I decided to join the TA’s to gain a driving licence, where I learnt to drive trucks, that was in 1963. So having gotten my licence for free, I now needed money for a car, my own dream car. I was working as a hairdresser, and 2 doors down from the salon was a taxi office, passing by on my way to work one day I noticed a sign advertising ‘New Drivers Needed’ in I went into the office, and came out as potentially Hull’s first female taxi driver! It took me 6 months to save up for Josephine, a black VW Beetle with the licence plate PHIL 61. After a happy 4 years together we parted ways, she will always have a special place in my heart.

My Mum, My Best Friend by Vicky

the Second World War began. My mum was born 2/9/1939 just as she moved to different areas in In London, during her early years nurse. She spent her childhood in London as her mum was a district went off. and out of air shelters as the bombs and would regularly go to on She often travelled lots in Summer holidays to Hull. see the Queen’s coronation. After When she was a child, she went to way back she ended up very close getting lost and trying to find her excellent view of the Queen’s to the Queen’s carriage. She had an carriage! coronation and even got to touch the My mum has many, many stories.

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Pride statements 1 r and my son. They are “I am proud of my family, my daughte myself and my work and really good at school. I am proud of my husband.”

“We are proud of the flag of our country. Each colour has a different meaning, white for peace, the sun, green for spring and the red for the mud, which is people fighting to protect our country.”

Dear Hull Hero

“I am proud of my daughter, she had childhood cancer and was told she wouldn't have children, she now has a daughter and is training to be a cancer nurse.”

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Sheila’s story Once upon a time there was a lady called Sheila. Sheila was known for her stories. Her friends loved her stories so much that they suggested she wrote a book. “I couldn’t write a book”, Sheila told them. “There would be too many chapters to write.” Sheila lived on small streets where she was close with her neighbours. She went to a lovely school and became the Head Girl. Sheila was a Military wife and a NAAFI girl (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) and many of her stories focus on this. Perhaps it’s best to hear a story from Sheila herself? “Sheila, will you come to the office for a little while?” said my boss one morning. I was in the process of opening the NAAFI services shop in Wiltshire and inside his office were two very tall gentlemen. I had been earmarked for a job for the Ministry of Defence and they asked if I would sign the Official Secrets Act. I signed without question, I felt that it was just another change of protocol as all Military Wives who served in the NAAFI had to sign it. I had already signed the seven-year Official Secrets Act but this one would last thirty years. That task was that I would be called to “feed and water” (an army expression) a lot of people at short notice and might have to do it six times. When the time came, all my equipment was ready for me – which was very unusual. I was taken by two armed guards, I was blind folded, my watch was taken so that I couldn’t by chance check how long I had travelled and gauge the distance. We travelled by lorry and to this day I do not know where I was taken or how long it took to get there. I was installed in a great big building, so far away from the personnel that they looked tiny as they worked on what looked to me like a load of silver type junk. At intervals people came for a food and drink break and

Dear Hull Hero

they were very polite, addressing me as “Ma’am.” Eventually, I was told that I was no longer needed and - with the warmest thanks - was again blind folded and returned to my NAAFI shop. After the first time, the ladies who worked in the canteen asked, “Sheila where have you been? Are you alright? The boss has been in the shop!” “I was called to see the other boss as they are thinking about shifting the shop around a bit and I might have to go again,” I said. New shelving and display cabinets were being measured and considered, so I wasn’t lying. Despite lasting some months, the six times that I went to that unknown place seemed to fly by. The last time that I was there, I was thanked by a high-ranking officer for my services “for Queen & Country.” After some months, I received a letter inviting me to see the launch of the Honest John Missile, the first nuclear capable surface-to-surface rocket. This is what they were making when I was there. God Forbid it was ever needed. Sheila’s dad was a Dunkirk veteran. He carried a young man on his back for four days to get him to Dunkirk beach. He was a nurse by nature. So was Sheila. For example, On one evening, in deep winter, her heavily pregnant downstairs neighbour went into labour. It was pitch black outside and thick with snow on the ground. There was no way of getting a midwife to come out, so Sheila put her in her Mini and tried to drive her to the hospital. However, they couldn’t make it in time and Sheila helped deliver the baby in the back of her car. This was even before Sheila had her own children. She saw the baby grow up to be a fine young man. There are so many chapters to Sheila’s story. Although there has been sorrow in her life, there was a lot of laughter. “If I ever did write a book,” Sheila told her friends “You would be the characters and the pages would be gold. It would have to be called The Book of Love.”

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Route 1 Youth Centre never want to leave them. Some places are so special that you e places. When the young people Route 1 Youth Centre is one of thos t to stay and become youth attending turn 18, many of them wan the staff there now used Route workers themselves. In fact, lots of 1 as kids. for young people to enjoy and The Youth Centre has lots of space a and music room, a kitchen socialise. There is an art room, a dram ining chairs and a pool table. and even a chillout space with recl practice skills they’ve learnt, Young people can come along and or playing an instrument or express themselves through painting meet some new friends. space to explore their identity Route 1 gives young people a safe wanted to. They could socialise, and express themselves how they out any other concerns. Route 1 relax and just be young people with . allows their members to just be them

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Dear Hull Hero

Abigail’s Story Once upon a time there was a young person called Abigail. Abigail liked anime and horror films and games. Some of Abigail’s achievements were going to see the London Eye and getting the End of School Achievement Award in year six. Abigail was also wise beyond their years. When the world told Abigail something bad, Abigail would respond “feel more positive”. When Abigail came out as bisexual and told their mum that they are non-binary, Mum said that she would accept Abigail no matter what. Abigail learnt that it’s okay to talk to people and if someone doesn’t like you it’s okay to leave that. Abigail told us:

“A personal achievement of mine was inspired by my PE teacher at school. My PE teacher has really helped me by teaching me how to dance because I want to be a dancer when I leave school. Even though I was really nervous, my PE teacher encouraged me, and I performed a dance at school in front of other people. I now love dancing and feel more confident after doing my performance. I now make my own dances up at home and love doing it.” Abigail’s openness about their gender and sexuality helped their girlfriend, Sophie, to be comfortable coming out. Now that Abigail has Ellie and Sophie in their life, they are much happier.

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Veterans’ hub

If you were ever looking for a cup of tea, you would be in safe hands at the Veteran’s Hub. The Hub supports veterans of all ages, as well as their families. At the Hub, veterans receive the help and support they need in their lives. Whether that be financial, help with jobs or housing, or just a place to catch up with friends and like-minded people, with tea and coffee aplenty. It is a friendly, welcoming place for former service members, where everyone can share their experiences. The Hub work incredibly hard to ensure veterans receive the quality support that they deserve and without all their help, the veteran's lives wouldn’t be the same.

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“

My brother really inspires me; he had a hard time when he came out. But since then, he’s gotten his degree and a good job and is really enjoying his life in London, I hope one day I get to that stage.

Dear Hull Hero

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I look up to my brother, he’s really good at art.

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Bill Gates has made lots of persona l achievements and I aspire to be like him when I leave scho ol. I do business and want to have a lot of money like him but also be successful in what I do and be an entrepreneu r like bill gates.

Reece, Age 13

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Dear Hull Hero

Route 1 inspiring stories 1 A personal achievement of mine has been finding music to help me when I am sad. Whenever I am bored or feeling down, I listen to Xxxtentacion and it now makes me happy when I am feeling sad. Another person who has accomplished a lot is my Mum, she always has time for us no matter how busy she is. She has taught me how to cook and now I love cooking. She gives me money to help me if I need it. She always helps me by doing fun things to make me smile like organising big Halloween parties which I love and really enjoy.

DJ, age 11

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The young people I work with always inspire me with their personal achievements. They always show such resilience and strength when they share their stories with us as youth workers. We work with diverse young people from a variety of different backgrounds and come across inspiring stories everyday of young people overcoming life’s challenges in a difficult society. We come across young carers getting up every day to support a loved one, young people facing struggles with their identity, young people managing exam stress and pressures, young people who have experienced bullying and even young people facing struggles with their mental health. All these young people achieve so much without even realising it and as youth workers we are proud of each and every young person who comes to our youth centre and lets us support them through part of their own story.

Youth Worker, Route One Youth centre.

Dear Hull Hero

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ialog For m or unity D Comm ltruck.co.uk l u .h w ww a on k. t Elish k.co.u contac lt@hulltruc .ho elisha