Really Interesting People from the UK
PAUL STEPHENSON, aged 87
A civil rights activist who led the Bristol Bus Boycott, which led to the law on race being changed in the UK . He also led a famous sit-in, in a Bristol pub.
RAYMOND WHITWELL, aged 105
A military veteran who made a daring escape from Dunkirk, he did the same thing after the disastrous Battle of Arnhem -eventually becoming the last survivor.
BROTHER HAROLD, aged 93
A self-confessed ‘difficult’ monk, and translator of Latin texts, he became a hermit – and built a prize-winning hermitage with his own two hands.
CYNTHIA MIDGLEY, aged 96
Born to a single mother in India, she was an exceptionally talented musician, playing in various orchestras, before sacrificing her career to bring up a family.
Really Interesting People from Europe
GRETA ANDERSEN, aged 95
A swimmer she won a gold medal at the Olympic Games but the nearly drowned. She then became an endurance swimmer holding many records that stand to this day.
KIKI HAKANSSON, aged 95
A model who won the first Miss World, facing the wrath of the Pope. She inadvertently caused a celebrity marriage and was an advocate for women’s rights.
JOACHIM AUERBACH, aged 93
Fleeing the Nazis as a child, he made a life in Britain, but always worked to help other people in a similar situation to his younger self.
ROSALINA NERI, aged 96
An actress and singer who looked similar to Marilyn Monroe, she attracted lots of attention and fame, forging a very successful career in her own right.
Really Interesting People from the World
PATTI McGEE, aged 79
Originally a surfer, she became the first female professional skateboarder, holding demonstrations across the USA and appearing on TV – a legend of the sport.
VANILLA BEANE, aged 103
A self-taught seamstress and milliner, she worked past 100, making hats for all occasions. Her work is recognised in both museums and on a US postal stamp.
MAURICE KANBAR, aged 93
An inventor and philanthropist he created alcoholic drinks, toys, medical solutions, food and much more – and put his money into good deeds and public welfare.
ALFA ANDERSON, aged 78
A talented singer who became part of the disco group Chic, she gave it all up for a career in education, becoming a school principal, before returning to music.
