They are selfless individuals who help others just to make their communities better.
And today we are honouring the very best people in and around Southampton with our own Daily Echo New Year’s Honours list - including three posthumous awards.
William Eves
Red Funnel worker William Eves didn’t think twice in October when he dived into the water at Town Quay to save a man who was floating face down.
The 20-year-old noticed the body on the shoreside and whilst the deck crew onboard the Red Falcon arranged a rescue boat, Will took off his boots and dived in.
He flipped the man around and rested his head on his arm with the life ring before the pair were pulled from the water shortly afterwards.
Speaking to the Echo he said he wouldn’t refer to himself as a hero adding: “I was only doing what anybody else would have done.
“It was a team effort to save the man between Shore Ops, the crew of the Red Falcon and of course the lifeboat and SCAS.
“After it all happened, I was back at work the next day and so were the crews.
“My family are proud but again, I was only doing what was necessary and was only a small cog in a larger machine so while it is nice to get a little praise, it's not necessary and definitely wasn't expected.”
Jane Odam
Chandler’s Ford hairdresser Jane Odam has been using her skills and scissors for good every month joining forces with the charity Haircuts 4 Homeless.
The 56-year-old has been visiting three venues including Patrick House in Southampton to cut homeless people’s hair.
But she hasn’t stopped there as she now plans to offer sessions at the Two Saints Day Centre on Cranbury Avenue.
She told the Echo: “It’s very popular and we do get our regulars as well, so it’s busy and full on.
“We try to get about seven or eight of us to the venues to cut hair, and I go to every single one. It is a lovely feeling.
“I feel like we can do more but I also run my business. I didn’t expect the response I received. Everyone wants to get onboard with it.”
Sam Skinner
Southampton roofer Sam Skinner put his body on the line earlier this month as he ran a whopping 200 miles in a 52-hour ordeal for charity.
The father-of-three took second place at the Centurian Running Winter Downs 200 race which saw him run across the North and South Downs from Guildford to Eastbourne and Winchester.
Weeks on from the challenge, Sam is still feeling the effects of the run but says it was worth it after he raised £16,500 for the Piam Brown children’s ward at Southampton General.
He said the support is “very humbling”, adding: “It was nice how all the local community got together.
“I’m lost for words really at the generosity of local businesses and individuals across Southampton.
“A lot of work went into the training. It was pretty intense. But it is nothing compared to what those children are going through.”
Dave Nutter
Former chief petty officer, Dave Nutter was driving home on the M27 in July when he suffered a heart attack.
With his five-year-old grandson in the car, the 63-year-old battled through the pain to bring the car to a stop without crashing.
Thousands of pounds were raised after his death to fund his funeral with an outpouring of public support and sympathy.
After finding out he would be included in our New Year’s list, his daughter Kathryn Jenvey-Vallender, 29, said: “As his family we are so honoured. Having the support from people and having the Echo help us with the fundraiser was a great way to show people what a hero dad was.
“My dad, until his last moments, would do anything for his grandchildren.
“Being a part of the Daily Echo New Year’s Honours List doesn’t just make him a story – he is remembered. It’s so touching for us.”
Sharon Malcolm
Lollipop lady Sharon Malcolm passed away in September this year, less than three years after she hung up her high-vis jacket for good.
The popular community hero, who helped school children cross Chamberlayne Road for three decades was best known for her famous high heels.
On her last day, residents and the then-mayor of Eastleigh came out to wish her a happy retirement.
Her daughter-in-law, Debs Ingram, said Sharon being included in the Echo's New Year’s honours is “a real honour for the whole family”.
“It just means the world because everybody knew her. She was very popular. She just loved helping the kids across the road.
“When we had the funeral lots of people came. It is amazing.”
Geoff Wilkinson
Peartree resident Geoff Wilkinson is not only included in the Echo honour’s list but has had the pleasure of meeting the King when he was awarded with an MBE earlier this month.
The 83-year-old was invited to Windsor Castle to accept his award after almost three decades of work to support the disabled community in Southampton.
As a member of several organisations, Geoff worked to help improve access for disabled people including at Airport Parkway Station.
He said: “I felt there was a need to make better access for disabled people. There still needs an awful lot of work being done.”
Speaking on the MBE he was awarded by the King, he said: “I was quite shocked at the time. It was a great honour but a bit of a shock.”
Simon Oakley
Saints fan Simon Oakley passed away after he had a fall at St Mary’s Stadium in November this year.
His family have since shared the story of his courageous decision to come off a ventilator five weeks after his accident.
The same day the 59-year-old's kidneys and corneas were donated to patients in desperate need of a transplant.
His older brother Brian Oakley, 83, said: “The consultant who was in charge of him said he has been in that job for over 20 years and Simon was the bravest man he had ever come across.
“He decided what time he wanted to die, what day, and what he wanted to do with his organs.
“It was unbelievable really. It was very selfless. He was tremendously brave and extraordinary.”
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