It is the first ever Bee Lady Day tomorrow (Tuesday, May 13) in celebration of the late Jean Bishop, Hull’s own bee lady, and David Walliams has shared a special message ahead of it.
The day will see events taking place across Hull and East Yorkshire in memory of Jean and her amazing feats of fundraising, dressed as a furry bumble bee, for Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire (Age UK HEY). Jean was herself a client of Age UK HEY for over 30 years and dedicated much of her time to collecting funds in her trademark costume, before she sadly passed away in 2021 at the age of 99.
One of the accolades she received herself was at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2013, when actor, comedian and author David Walliams surprised her with the news. He has recorded a message for Age UK HEY specially for Bee Lady Day.
He said: “I was lucky enough to spend some time with Jean Bishop, the bee lady, when I was surprising her for the Pride of Britain Awards. She was a very, very special lady.
“I feel privileged to have met her and the amazing work that she did, always with a smile on her face, always making people happy. So I’m super-excited that now there is Bee Lady Day for Age UK, a fantastic charity.
“I think Jean’s story really tells us all no matter who we are, no matter how old we are, there’s a lot of good we can do, in big ways and small ways. Jean is a legend for the fundraising community and I think we could all be a little more Jean.”
Age UK HEY, the region’s only older person focused organisation, has launched the Jean Bishop Legacy Award as part of Bee Lady Day – it is to be marked every May 13, the date of Jean’s birthday – to continue Jean’s legacy of raising funds for the charity. It will be awarded annually to recognise older individuals who have made an inspirational difference to the lives of other people across the Hull and East Yorkshire region, and the first five winners have been revealed.
The 2025 Jean Bishop Legacy Award award panel, led by Jean’s children Jennifer and John, selected winners from public nominations that they felt best demonstrated the legacy and values their mother would be most proud of. They are:
- Bill Lamb, 85 – He cared for his wife for a number of years after she became very unwell, highlighting the hidden caring duties many older people undertake
- Margaret Hannan, 79 – An avid supporter and fundraiser of multiple charities across the region
- Marie Wilson, 77 – Her own mobility issues have not stopped her being part of many activities that bring so much joy to people in the community
- Jean Walker, 82 – After 56 years’ service as a nurse and sky-diving for charity in her 70s, she also runs mental health support activities, an issue often not talked about by older people
- Irean Young, 85 – Has been volunteering in a charity shop for over 20 years. She had a recent hip replacement and still walks over half a mile with her walking frame in all weathers, without fail
For this inaugural “Jean Bishop Legacy Award”, sponsored by Williamsons Solicitors, the award winners will be treated to a trip on Bee Lady Day aboard the Jean Bishop – The Bee Lady train, travelling in Coach Bee, made possible with the support of Hull Trains. At their destination winners will be treated to a complimentary bee-themed afternoon tea and an afternoon of activities.
The award winners will be waved off by Jennifer and John, along with Andy Haynes, Age UK HEY CEO, the new Age UK HEY Bee and other well-wishers. John Bishop, and his sister Jennifer, said: “Our mother would be so proud and pleased with all that is going on around Bee Lady Day – she’d love it!
(Image: ageuk.org.uk/hull)
“We’ve really enjoyed launching the Jean Bishop Legacy Award in memory and recognition of our mother’s work and we’re looking forward to meeting all the award winners and waving them off on their well-deserved day out.” Andy said: “Many people have a special memory of Jean, and this is a great way to remember her, celebrate her legacy and raise funds for Age UK HEY just as she used to do. We are aiming to establish this day as an important calendar date for many years to come.”
Louise Mendham, service delivery director at Hull Trains, said: “We’re delighted to be involved in Bee Lady Day – a fitting tribute to a true Hull legend. Jean was an example of the strong community spirit in our area, and we’ll be welcoming the award winners and volunteers on-board to hopefully raise plenty of money for a cause that was close to her heart – Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire.”
The 2026 Bee Lady Day will take place on Thursday, May 13, with a grand gala Bee Lady Ball planned for Friday, May 15, 2026 at which the Jean Bishop Legacy Award will again be given in recognition of efforts that reflects Jean’s legacy of supporting older people in the region. For more information about the Jean Bishop Legacy Award and Bee Lady Day and how to get involved, visit ageuk.org.uk/hull or call 01482 324644 or email fundraising@ageukhull.org.uk
Jean received awards for her dedication to raising funds for Age UK HEY and was awarded the Freedom of the City of Hull, in 2017, and the British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours and met Queen Elizabeth II, who recognised her hard work. In 2018, the Jean Bishop Integrated Care Centre opened in Hull, named in her honour and in 2022, the year after she died, Jean Bishop – The Bee Lady train was unveiled.
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