'It's a privilege to share extraordinary stories'

It began, as many good things do, with a simple suggestion.

"You need to shout about this," one viewer noted in an email.

And so, armed with curiosity and an open heart, I spent the past year travelling across the North West of England, meeting extraordinary people in places that deserve far more than a passing glance on the forecast.

The 25 in 25 series was never really about ticking locations off a list.

It became about stories - the quiet ones, the resilient ones, and the joyful ones - told by people who care deeply about where they live and the communities they belong to.

The journey started gently, with a walk around Davyhulme Park in Urmston, Greater Manchester.

Davyhulme Park Friends group proudly showed me their Green Flag status, but what stayed with me most was their sense of guardianship - proof that when people care, green spaces thrive.

From there, emotions quickly came to the surface.

Meeting Daniel Theobalds from The Cancer Bank was a moment that stopped me in my tracks.

Facing his own battles, yet dedicating his time to lifting others, Dan reminded me that courage doesn't shout - it quietly gets on with the job.

In Wigan, the gorgeous gang at The Hamlet showed that "anything is possible" isn't just a slogan.

Their warmth, humour and enthusiasm taught me a thing or two about broadcasting, and a lot about perspective.

At Halton Farm, Karen Holden demonstrated that balance is possible, if not always easy.

A demanding career paired with panoramic views and the calmest cows I've ever met - a reminder that fulfilment often comes from finding peace amid pressure.

Jim Lawson, the amateur meteorologist in Preston, Lancashire, gave me a run for my money.

With more than 60 years of forecasting behind him, his knowledge was humbling — a masterclass in experience, patience and passion for the skies above us.

And then there was Pete Smith, known as the bird whisperer.

As a blue tit fed from the palm of my hand, I found myself speechless. In a world that moves fast, Pete reminded me of the power of stillness.

Roger Hordley guided me through Macclesfield Forest in Cheshire, helping me capture the perfect weather picture framed by breathtaking views.

Closer to home, growing up in Stockport I was blown away by the true spirit of Brinnington and the heart of Reddish Vale Country Park - a mindfulness walk that felt like a homecoming.

There was tea and cake with the Barnston Women's Institute (WI) as they celebrated 100 years of friendship and community.

Spiritual calm at Kagyu Ling Buddhist Temple in Chorlton.

Inspiration from Ken Heathcote, who proved age is no barrier to doing exactly what you love.

I visited every Hale in the North West of England - each welcoming, each proud, each with a great pub and friendly locals. What more do you need?

Childhood memories came flooding back aboard the steam train at the Dragon Miniature Railway in Marple.

A heatwave made Chipping in Bloom glow, even as Noah had me climbing the church tower in what looked suspiciously like a wedding dress.

Askam-in-Furness revealed its tranquillity, though locals might prefer you admire it quietly, from afar.

In Heysham, rock band Massive Wagons showed how patience and honest messages can truly connect with younger generations.

I watched - with a coffee in hand - as seasoned fell runners powered up and down the fells of Cumbria.

Michael Lilley, from Preston, Lancashire, inspired awe with his determination, running 5km (3.1 miles) every day in 2025 to support his dad and raise awareness of prostate cancer.

A short flight took me to the Isle of Man, where dramatic landscapes met one of the most incredible working museums I've ever seen.

Back on the mainland, the team at Tramtown in Blackpool, Lancashire, took me back in time, restoring history one tram at a time.

In Liverpool, I found a group of angelic women called the Singing Mamas supporting each other through motherhood using the power of their voices.

Their harmonies brought unexpected joy.

And I ended where inspiration lives loudest: meeting an extraordinary woman in Lymm, Cheshire.

Charlotte Searle, an ex-professional dancer whose life was turned upside down by a brain tumour.

She isn't letting that stop her. One day, she will dance again.

And as 25 in 25 draws to a close, it doesn't just mark the end of a remarkable year, it marks the end of my time delivering the weather on North West Tonight.

But what a privilege it has been to share stories, skies and smiles with viewers across the region I call home.

25 in 25 feels like the perfect full stop.

A reminder that the North West of England isn't just a place I've reported on.

It's a place that has shaped me.

The people, the landscapes, the kindness and the resilience will stay with me long after the final forecast fades.

So for one last time, to the lovely viewers who have welcomed me into their lives and homes: thank you.

Read more stories from Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC North West on X.