Bee Lady Day

Bee Lady Day – Honouring Jean Bishop and Inspiring Fundraisers
Bee Lady Day is a new annual event, launching this year and set to be celebrated every 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.
How to Donate
You can donate to Bee Lady Day by following the link:
or by using the QR Code below:

How to get involved
Schools and Nurseries
- 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.
- Receive a fundraising pack – Includes a Bee Lady Day presentation, posters, social media blurb, colouring sheets, and stickers for all participants.
Businesses
- 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.
- Receive a fundraising pack – Includes a Bee Lady Day presentation, posters, social media blurb, colouring sheets, and stickers for all participants.
Individuals
- 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 – Visit us at Hull Paragon Station & Prospect Centre on Bee Lady Day and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere. In the evening, look out for Hull’s buildings lighting up in Jean’s honour.
- Receive a fundraising pack – Includes a Bee Lady Day presentation, posters, social media blurb, colouring sheets, and stickers for all participants.
Nominate an older person who has done something amazing
This Bee Lady Day, we want to treat 8 incredible individuals to a special day out!
We’re inviting the public to nominate an older person who has done something extraordinary, just like Jean. Whether they’re a dedicated fundraiser, a committed volunteer, or someone who has overcome a significant challenge with remarkable strength, we want to hear about it.
All selected guests will meet at Hull Station, where we hope to create a lively atmosphere as they embark on a trip to nearby Doncaster for a day of fun. The day will include free train travel, courtesy of Hull Trains, a complimentary afternoon tea, and many more exciting surprises.
To nominate someone, please follow the link below to complete the nomination form.
All nominations must be submitted by April 24th.
Nominees should ideally be over 65 years old.
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
Crocheting Bees Patterns
- 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!
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!