THIS year has been full of ups and downs for everyone - no matter who you are, where you live, or what you do.

Some might say that 2021 has been one of their most difficult years, and will be welcoming the start of a new year.

Here at the Daily Echo we've documented some of the amazing things that have happened throughout 2021.

To celebrate the end of the year, we've put together a three-part series of all our favourite moments to share with you as part of a little flashback on what this year has brought us.

Take a look at part one and two.

Here are some of our favourite stories of 2021:

 

New mum tells how her newborn overcame two heart operations in his first week of life

Daily Echo: Felix with his parents Catherine Lock and Michael Southwell

He is 2021's little miracle.

Felix Christopher John Southwell was born with a heart problem on New Year’s Day and underwent two operations in the first week of his life.

He battled through them both, overseen by medics at University Hospital Southampton, and was back home in Maybush just 19 days later.

Read Felix's story HERE.

 

WATCH: We visited the seven Labrador puppies that were abandoned on a walkway

Daily Echo: The Labrador puppies at Three Oaks Boarding Kennels

It was a story that shocked hundreds of people across the county.

A litter of Labrador puppies were abandoned on the South Downs Way near Cheesefoot Head in October.

Thankfully they were found by cyclist Rob Carter and were placed in the care of Three Oaks Boarding Kennels at Bishop's Waltham.

Read their story HERE.

 

Southampton midwife married her teacher beau between night shifts - and with just three days to plan big day!

Daily Echo: A kiss in the wedding car for Emily and Matt

After a host of Covid cancellations and changes, this Southampton midwife and teacher organised their wedding in just three days and got married between shifts.

Emily and Matthew James from West End had lots of help from family and friends as they tied the knot just days before restrictions were tightened so they could have their grandparents among 30 guests.

Read their story HERE.

 

Thank you from two families to the doctors and nurses who saved their babies lives

Daily Echo: Reggie during his stay in NICU

The families of two premature baby boys launched a huge fundraiser to help the Southampton neonatal unit which saved their lives.

Reggie Sturgess was born unresponsive at 26 weeks in November 2020, weighing just 2lbs. He had to be ventilated twice and spent 13 weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Princess Anne Hospital.

Evan Phillips came into the world at 29 weeks in January, weighing 2lbs 8oz. He was put on a ventilator and spent nine agonising weeks in the same incredible neonatal unit.

Read their story HERE.

 

Banksy painting gifted to Southampton's biggest hospital sells for £16 million

Daily Echo: Banksy painting gifted to Southampton's biggest hospital sells for £16 million

It was an amazing day for all involved.

The Banksy painting gifted to Southampton's biggest hospital during the first wave of the pandemic has sold for more than £16 million.

The painting, depicting a child playing with a nurse superhero doll, was sold at Christie's today in the 20th Century Art Evening Sale.

The painting, titled Game Changer, was sold for £16,758,000 and all proceed from the sale will be used to support health organisations and charities across the UK that enhance the care and treatment provided by the NHS.

Read the story again HERE.

 

Santa Paws: A ho-ho-whole load of festive dogs and owners take part in Christmas fun run

Daily Echo: Elmo receiving his treats and prize after completing the Santa Paws run at Royal Victoria Country Park

Four-legged friends and their owners walked, jogged and ran around a Hampshire country park in festive attire.

Merry dog owners and their pooches took part in the Santa Paws running event at Royal Victoria Country Park.

Take a look at the photos HERE.