2019 has been a tumultuous year, by any standards.
But in amongst the breaking news, court reports and sometimes tragic events, we have covered some truly heartwarming stories which won't fail to put a smile on your face.
We've rounded up our five favourites from this year for some enjoyable reading this Christmas Day.
In no particular order...
1. Thelma got a postcard from her grandson...15 years after he sent it
At the start of the year, Thelma Greening received a postcard from her grandson Joe who was studying for a master's degree at university.
Joe had sent the postcard when he was about seven years old, during a holiday to north Wales with his parents, but it mysteriously disappeared for more than a decade after that.
Read the full story here:
2. Famous footballers messaged a Weymouth youngster ahead of a major transplant
Footballers including Alan Shearer and Ryan Giggs sent their best wishes to a brave 21-year-old boy from Weymouth who was set to undergo a major transplant.
Earlier this year we learned that Bailey Johns, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Crohn’s disease in 2010, had sadly reached the end of any standard care.
In August 2018 a scope found more disease in his small intestine, meaning surgery was no longer a wise option. A decision was made to try a stem cell transplant, and soon after, Bailey received a flurry of messages from famous footballers.
Read the full story here:
3. A couple tied the knot in a "fairytale wedding" thanks to kind hospice staff
A man receiving end-of-life care defied his illness by marrying the love of his life in September.
Duncan Clarke, a patient at Weldmar Hospicecare married his partner Kate Baldwin in the Orangery Restaurant at Joseph Weld Hospice, Dorchester.
The couple decided they wanted to tie the knot, and within 24 hours the nuptials were arranged.
Read the full story here:
4. And on the subject of weddings.....
Because who doesn't love them?
Grace McGowan, who was left disabled after a car crash walked down the aisle on her wedding day.
She married the love of her life Nick Capaldi at Stockbridge Farm Barn near Sherborne.
Despite not being able to walk, Grace didn’t let her disability stop her from making her dream a reality.
Read the full story here:
And finally...
5. Passers by rushed to help a man who was knocked into the harbour by his own mobility scooter
A seasoned sailor who was knocked into the harbour by his mobility scooter praised the "brilliant response" of the ambulance crews and boat owners who rescued him.
Brian Wilkins, 84, of Weymouth, took a plunge when his scooter - affectionately known as 'Humphrey' - reversed into him while he was climbing aboard his yacht, Avalon in April.
Read the full story here:
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