The people who lifted spirits during lockdown

As the pandemic turned lives upside down, people found unique ways to lift spirits and bring smiles to their communities.

Five years on from the first lockdown, we met up with some of those who tried to bring joy to others.

They included Truro brothers Isaac and Oli Ketterer, who roamed the streets as dinosaurs, and five-year-old Ollie, from Plymstock, who ran a mile a day in fancy dress.

Meanwhile Clare Meardon, from Cornwall, posted videos off herself going out for "walks" in a series of exotic outfits.

Ms Meardon, a dance teacher in Hayle, had to close her studio just six months after opening.

To cope with the restrictions and bring joy to others, she started creating themed "going for a walk" videos, featuring herself in various costumes including a large red feather boa.

"I just wanted to be that stupid person who could hopefully make someone smile," she said.

"It just seemed to start lifting people's mood, and I think when life is so dark, we just need a rest.

"We need a rest from all of the anxiety and the news and everything. We just need something that's really baseline stupid."

She added: "I have lovely messages from people saying, 'I'm online and I'm just waiting for the walk to be uploaded. What's the walk going to be today?'"

In Truro, brothers Isaac and Oli Ketterer took to the streets in dinosaur costumes and quickly gained popularity.

"People just wanted something different in their day," Isaac explained.

"We got people reaching out to come to their neighbourhood."

Their mother suggested creating an Instagram page, which unexpectedly led to media attention and appearances on multiple news stations.

Meanwhile, five-year-old Ollie from Plymstock, Plymouth, embarked on a marathon challenge to raise funds for the NHS.

Running one mile a day in various costumes, including Super Mario, Ollie managed to raise £4,000.

The funds were used to create outdoor spaces for hospital patients, providing them with a much-needed respite.

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