The Buzz about Jean Bishop: How one woman raised over £125,000 for charity in a Bee costume
- twenty4sevenlifest
- May 7
- 3 min read
A few of the things we value here at 24sevenlifestyle is the importance supporting our community and spreading joy amongst others and I think it's safe to say, local legend Jean Bishop had those values in abundance. Read all about the legendary Bee Lady and the legacy she left behind below.
The Bee Lady of Hull: How Jean Bishop is Inspiring a New Generation of Fundraisers
At first glance, she looked like a cheerful character from a children’s book—bright yellow stripes, fluffy antennae, and a heartwarming smile. But to the people of Hull and the thousands whose lives she touched, Jean Bishop—affectionately known as the Bee Lady—was nothing short of a local legend.
Over nearly three decades, Jean raised over £125,000 for Age UK, armed with nothing more than a collecting tin, her signature bee costume, and an endless supply of warmth and goodwill. Her dedication to helping older people in her community not only earned her national recognition but also sparked something special: a new wave of fundraisers inspired by her mission and spirit.
From Humble Beginnings to National Hero
Born in 1921, Jean Bishop didn’t begin her fundraising journey until later in life. After joining Age UK Hull in the 1990s, she decided to don her bee costume as a fun way to engage people—and it worked. Children loved her. Adults stopped to chat. And the donations rolled in.
Jean quickly became a fixture at shopping centres, fairs, and local events, often fundraising in all weather conditions. Her efforts caught national attention, leading to a Pride of Britain Award in 2013 and a British Empire Medal in 2017. She even met the Queen—though she remained as modest and grounded as ever.
A Lasting Legacy: The Jean Bishop Integrated Care Centre
Jean's passion for supporting older people lives on not just in memory, but in brick and mortar. The Jean Bishop Integrated Care Centre, opened in 2018 in East Hull, is a pioneering facility named in her honour. It brings together health, social care, and community services under one roof to support elderly residents and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.
The centre’s holistic approach mirrors Jean’s ethos: treat people with dignity, support their independence, and bring communities together. It’s a fitting tribute to someone who spent her life doing just that, in the most personal way possible.
Bee Lady Day: Honouring Jean’s Legacy
To commemorate Jean's birthday on May 13, Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire established Bee Lady Day—a celebration of her life and contributions. The day aims to inspire future generations of fundraisers and raise the additional £100,000 Jean had planned to collect before her passing.
Events on Bee Lady Day include community gatherings, fundraising activities, and educational programs, all centred around Jean's legacy of kindness and community support.
A Tribute That Travels: The Bee Lady Train
In 2022, Hull Trains honoured Jean by naming one of their trains after her. The public overwhelmingly voted for "The Bee Lady" to grace the train's name, ensuring that her legacy continues to travel beyond Hull, inspiring kindness and generosity wherever it goes.
Jean Bishop's story is a testament to the power of one individual's compassion to transform a community. Her legacy lives on through the Jean Bishop Integrated Care Centre, Bee Lady Day, and the countless lives she touched with her unwavering dedication to others.
Inspiring the Future of Fundraising
Today, Jean’s legacy continues to inspire fundraisers of all ages. Local schools hold “Bee Days” in her honour, encouraging children to dress up, learn about her work, and raise funds for elderly care. Young people and community leaders across the UK are taking up the baton—proof that even the smallest acts of kindness can create a ripple effect.
Jean Bishop showed us that you don’t need fame, fortune, or a grand platform to make a difference. Sometimes, all it takes is a costume, a cause, and a lot of heart.
So next time you see someone in a bee costume shaking a collection tin, stop and say hello. They might just be the next Jean Bishop—spreading hope, one smile at a time.
