Bee Lady Day
Bee Lady Day – Honouring Jean Bishop and Inspiring Fundraisers
Bee Lady Day launched in 2025 and raised an amazing £15,000! It is now one of our annual celebrations on May 13th (Jean’s birthday), in tribute to Hull’s cherished Jean Bishop, affectionately known as “The Bee Lady.”
Over 30 years, Jean raised nearly £125,000 for Age UK Hull & East Yorkshire, spreading joy and making a difference for countless individuals. Now, we continue her legacy with the goal of raising an additional £100,000 to support older people in our community who are facing struggles. Every penny raised will go directly toward helping those in need.
We invite the people of Hull and East Yorkshire to join in, however they can. Whether through dressing up, hosting bake sales, or participating in sponsored events, we want the region to come alive with the buzz of Bee Lady Day, all in support of local older people.
We can’t wait to see what the next Bee Lady Day will achieve
Bee Lady Day 2026
Bee Lady Day 2026 was another incredible celebration of the life and legacy of Hull's much-loved Jean Bishop, the Bee Lady. Thanks to the fantastic support of our local community, schools, nurseries, businesses, volunteers and supporters, we are proud to have raised an amazing £20,334 for Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire, surpassing the £15,000 raised during our inaugural Bee Lady Day in 2025.
We are delighted to announce that Bee Lady Day will return in 2027, bringing another week of fun, fundraising and community involvement across Hull and East Yorkshire. Bee Lady in the Square will return, alongside activities involving schools, nurseries and businesses, all coming together to celebrate Jean's legacy and support local older people. We are also proud to confirm the return of the Jean Bishop Legacy Award, recognising individuals and organisations who make a positive difference in their communities. We can't wait to build on the success of the last two years and make Bee Lady Day 2027 our biggest celebration yet! 🐝💛
We have many amazing pictures from the events throughout the week. Below are just a couple.
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How to Donate
You can donate to Bee Lady Day by following the link:
or by using the QR Code below:
Whats happening and where
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TBC
Schools and Nurseries
- Receive a fundraising pack – Includes a Bee Lady Day presentation, posters, social media blurb, colouring sheets, and stickers for all participants.
- Dress in black and yellow – Encourage students to dress up as bees or in Jean’s signature colours in return for a small donation to Age UK HEY.
- Host a fundraiser – Get creative with bake sales, fun runs, sponsored challenges, or a tombola—every little bit helps.
- Hold a Buzz Walk at your venue with the children. If you would like Bertie Bee to make an appearance get in touch!
Businesses
- Receive a fundraising pack – Includes a Bee Lady Day presentation, posters, social media blurb, colouring sheets, and stickers for all participants.
- Fundraise as a team – Organise a dress-down day, host a raffle, or challenge colleagues to take part in a sponsored event.
- Light up Hull – Join local landmarks in lighting up yellow or amber to celebrate Jean’s legacy.
- Become a sponsor – Support Bee Lady Day through sponsorship and become an official Age UK HEY Partner, with branding opportunities available.
If you would like to support the Bee Lady Day or become a sponsor please contact the office on:
- 01482 324644
- fundraising@ageukhey.org.uk
Individuals
- Receive a fundraising pack – Includes a Bee Lady Day presentation, posters, social media blurb, colouring sheets, and stickers for all participants.
- Volunteer – Help run Bee Lady Day activities and be part of this special event.
- Host your own fundraiser – Whether it’s a coffee morning, a sponsored challenge, or a community event, every effort supports older people in Hull & East Yorkshire.
- Join the celebrations – We have numerous events across the week in celebration of Bee Lady Day, so get involved and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere. In the evening, look out for Hull’s buildings lighting up in Jean’s honour.
We are seeking nominations for the Jean Bishop Legacy Award!
This Bee Lady Day we are inviting the public to nominate an older person who has done something amazing, just like Jean.
And amazing can mean lots of things!
Whether they’re a dedicated fundraiser, a committed volunteer, a long time carer, or someone who has overcome a challenge with remarkable strength, it could be anything you consider to be amazing…we want to hear about it!
Everyone who is nominated will receive a letter in the post from us, then from these nominations a selection panel will shortlist 5 people.
These shortlisted people will be invited to attend the Bee Lady Ball as our guest with a plus one.
The winner of the Jean Bishop Legacy Award will be announced at the ball by a guest host where they will win a award.
TBC - Please keep your eye out for our nomination Form!
Donate and Spread the Word
- Donate to Age UK HEY – Every penny raised funds vital services for older people in our community.
- Share on social media – Help us grow Bee Lady Day into a Hull tradition. Follow and tag us on:
- Facebook: @AgeUKHull&EastYorkshire
- Instagram: @ageukhull_eastyorkshire
- X (Twitter): @AgeUKHEY
- LinkedIn: Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire
- TikTok: @ageukhey
Patterns to mak your own little bee!
- A local knitter, named Louise Cramond, has designed us an amazing crochet Bee pattern. You can find a link below along with her Revelry. Her name is Local craft groups are coming together to knit and crochet bees in celebration of "Bee Lady Day." These handmade bees will be tagged with a donation link and shared as random acts of kindness. Want to take part? Find the patterns and details here!
- We have also been given a lovely and easy to read bee cross stitch pattern. It was done by Kerry from the Dunelm Beverley Store. Thank you Kerry!
How to get involved
Get in Touch
Want to get involved or have a fundraising idea? We’d love to hear from you.
Email: Fundraising@ageukhull.org.uk
Call: 01482 324 644
Join us in making Bee Lady Day a lasting Hull tradition!