2014 in review: The most inspirational stories of the year
At times it can seem that negative stories dominate the news, with crime and traffic accidents making our headlines, but here in the Black County and Staffordshire we also have a lot to celebrate as these inspirational stories show.
Though the passing-away of Margot Martini in October was tragically sad, her story prompted thousands to become stem cell donors, saving countless lives in the future. The tribute to Margot written by our reporter Rob Golledge was greatly appreciated by the youngster's family, and was quoted from at her funeral.
Quick thinking lorry driver Marcin Fijalkowski saved many lives when he used his lorry to stop a car on the M5 after its driver fell ill at the wheel and lost control.
Another life was saved when army cadets at a barracks near Lichfield disregarded their own safety and scaled a 12ft razor-wire fence to help a pregnant woman who was seriously injured when she was attacked by her dog.
In September two horrific car crashes on the same day - one in Smethwick and one in Oldbury - left one dead and another seriously injured. Residents near the scenes of the crashes leapt to the aid of the injured, and in Oldbury they removed the injured woman from her car shortly before it caught fire.
In another tragic incident, passers-by rushed to help a man trapped under his van in a Coseley crash. Six people lifted the vehicle off him, allowing paramedics to work on the injured man. Sadly, however, he was certified dead at the scene.
