So, we managed to make it all the way to 2017 and the world is yet to implode, despite our fears about Brexit and other global politics. 2016 was a year that we can certainly say holds some of our saddest moments. We saw a lot of things happen that no one could have predicted and we lost some of our favourite and well-loved stars. Stars like Alan Rickman, Muhammad Ali, Carrie Fisher and David Bowie. They were certainly for me, some of the biggest influences during my informative years. Each of them through both their personal and professional lives were able to show people that no matter what is actually happening in the world or indeed to you personally, you can still triumph and succeed.
Other things to shake us would be things like the increase in terrorism around the world and the increase in hostilities in worn torn countries like Syria. I honestly believe we have seen more shootings involving innocent members of the public than I can ever remember. While we are apparently very lucky that our intelligence services are seem to be able to keep us from such horrors in the UK. However, many countries have not been so blessed with many parts of Europe falling victim to horrific attacks.
That being said, we need to also realise that 2016 is not all bad. A lot of good things happened too, even if they may have been a little overshadowed by some very bad incidents. Giant Pandas, Green Sea Turtles and Humpback Whales are no longer endangered; the wild Tiger population has increased for the first time in over one hundred years; wild Wolves are found in Europe again. Child mortality is on the decline globally, 93% of the world’s children have learned to read and write (the highest levels ever recorded in history), we have found the gene responsible for ALS and we now have a cure for Ebola. We have seen a huge global push towards renewable energy and as a result the Ozone is repairing itself. We have even seen a man in a coma have ultra sound waves pumped into his brain allowing him to wake from his coma, and the development of a new technology that means amputees can control their prosthetics with the power of their mind.
With this sort of breakthroughs, plus many more in 2016, I can’t wait to see what is in store for 2017. Who knows what we can expect to see in this coming year, I only hope whatever we do see is as spectacular as some of the amazing discoveries and stories above. I’m also looking forward to being able to continue helping people gain access to the space they need in some of the best facilities in the country.