Merrick Life articles covered a wide array of subjects to inspire and entertain in 2018.

From the best family days out to the long-lasting appeal of Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive. And from celebrating our NHS to the rise of second weddings for the over 50s – we hope you found something of interest.

Best of 2018

Before we dive into 2019, we thought we’d look back at our best-read articles of the last 12 months. And if you missed any of these the first time round, they’re still worth a look.

There’s no doubt about our most-read story of the year.

Martin Hibbert was paralysed in the Manchester Arena attack but his determination to walk again has proved inspirational.

Merrick Life talked to friend Lee Kibble about the fund-raising he and wife Katherine, family, friends and colleagues have undertaken for Martin and his daughter Eve. They raised a fantastic £24,000 on an emotional journey for all concerned.

Inspirational women

There’s one topic that always seems to strike a chord with readers – inspirational women. Whether it’s blazing a trail in business or achieving against the odds, it seems we all can gain something from learning about females fighting the odds

Back in February we introduced you to the stories of five awesome women from Kids Allowed CEO Jennie Johnson to This Mum Runs founder Mel Bound.

As one of them, Cara Brookins, said: “There is nothing more powerful than building your future with your own bare hands.”

And another top read was from our principal Amanda Merrick to mark International Women’s Day. She wrote about a timely piece of advice from her mum. Without it her legal career may have taken a very different turn.

Another woman who got your attention was Emma Blake. The mum-of-two turned the experience of fighting illness into a successful business.

Emma Blake

After being diagnosed with bowel disease ulcerative colitis she turned to a plant-based diet which transformed her life. Then she set out to help others and established her vegan meal business Glow By Emma.

Wanting to lead a better life is another recurring theme in Merrick Life articles.

We started the year with five motivational reads. The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu and anti-guru Sarah Knight’s Get Your Sh*t Together both appeared in that list – proving what a diverse world we live in!

Got a story, business or topic that you think others would like to read about in 2019? Then drop us a suggestion to info@merrick-solicitors.com