1 in 4 in the East brought to tears by heartwarming moments in 2020
Captain Tom's walk for the NHS topped the table as the most heartwarming moment of the year
Last updated 29th Dec 2020
More than a quarter of us in the East of England say we've been brought to tears by an act of kindness this year.
Hand-sanitiser company, ZOONO, says it found many people in our region say it's become a more caring place to live.
Four in five also said Captain Tom's walk for the NHS was the most heartwarming moment of the year.
The veterans fundraising efforts and the national clap for the NHS voted by residents as the most touching moments of 2020, while research reveals the East of England has become a more caring place to live following the Coronavirus pandemic.
As we head towards the end of a turbulent year, new research has revealed the challenges of 2020 have made residents in the East of England kinder and more caring, with over a quarter admitting they have been brought to tears by a random act of kindness.
Despite 2020 being a tough year for many, more than half of Brits believe there have been many positive outcomes from the challenges, according to the research conducted by hand and surface sanitiser brand ZOONO.
Valuing our lives more (42%), appreciating the little things (41%), as well as being more caring and considerate to others (37%) are among the list of silver linings voted for by the British public.
Jamal McCleary, General Manager at ZOONO, said:
“It has been truly heart-warming to see people come closer together this year as so many have strived to protect the wellbeing of loved ones and neighbours.
"We noticed a surge in people buying our scientifically proven hand and surface sanitisers for key workers and vulnerable people as gifts; hundreds of people have gone the extra mile to keep others safe and protected for longer. That’s why we were interested to find out whether the pandemic has strengthened our relationships with others, even when we’d had to social distance, and made us all more caring and considerate despite the challenges we have all faced.”
The ongoing crisis has also encouraged better relationships with neighbours. In fact, 43% of UK residents agree that they are now closer to their neighbours, while a quarter of people know their neighbours’ names, which they didn’t know before.
The pandemic has also created an army of local heroes. Most Brits (66%) have gone shopping for someone who is vulnerable, isolating or a key worker. Care for neighbours has also seen a significant rise, as more than 20% of people who would not have offered previously have nipped to the supermarket for a vulnerable person living locally since the start of the year.
As a nation, kindness is more valued than ever before. According to the research, kindness (48%), honesty (36%) and thoughtfulness (35%) are the qualities we most admire in others. Confidence, ambition and intelligence were attributes that less than 10% of Brits said they admire most.
Jamal McCleary concluded:
“This year, ZOONO has partnered with the Shelter Charity to help our customers donate during the sales process. We also donate hand sanitiser for the benefit of homeless people living in the UK.
"Like many residents, we pledge to continue supporting others in the year ahead and look forward to being inspired by many more heart-warming moments yet to come in 2021.”
The Top 10 Most Touching Moments of 2020 (East of England Ranking)
- Captain Sir Thomas Moore raising money for the NHS on his 100th birthday
- The first clap for NHS carers
- Seeing key workers reunited with their loved ones
- Announcement of the Covid-19 vaccine
- Rainbow paintings in windows
- School children sending morale-boosting letters to care home residents
- Hero welcomes for key workers in supermarkets
- Socially distanced Victory in Europe (VE) Day celebrations
- Joe Wicks launching free daily PE lessons for children
- Postmen in fancy dress to keep residents' spirits high