Wildflower seeds to honour fundraising Bee Lady

Residents of a Hull street are handing out wildflower seeds in memory of charity fundraiser Jean Bishop, better known as the Bee Lady.

Members of the Chanterlands Avenue Residents and Traders Association said the initiative was to highlight Mrs Bishop's connection to the street, as she got married in a local church.

She raised more than £125,000 for Age UK and was often seen dressed in a bee outfit raising money on the city streets.

Chris Hall, chair of the association, said it was about creating "beautiful patches of wildflowers in honour of Jean Bishop, who herself spread joy".

"We want children and adults alike to be able to help themselves to the seeds, take them home and scatter them where they like," he said.

The group have put wildflower mixes into small packets and left them in display boxes at The Avenue pub and a pharmacy opposite.

Mrs Bishop, who died aged 99 in 2021, was awarded the British Empire Medal for her fundraising efforts and picked up a Pride of Britain award, which was presented by actor David Walliams dressed in a bee outfit.

This week, Age UK in Hull and East Yorkshire launched the first ever Bee Lady Day.

The charity said the annual event aimed "to inspire a brand new generation of fundraisers".

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