Outlook Inspirations revealed as Outlook celebrates 50 years on air

BBC World Service launched a search for the world's most inspiring personal stories earlier in the year to mark the programme's anniversary.

The judging panel, chaired by BBC’s Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet and also including actor and director Nandita Das and BBC Head of Facebook for Africa Nunu Ntshingila, chose the three Outlook Inspirations from a shortlist of 15.

The Outlook Inspirations are:

Kees Veldboer
Kees is the man behind the Ambulance Wish Foundation which fulfills people’s dying wishes. Kees was working as an ambulance driver in Holland when he saw a patient moved to tears by the sight of a canal on a sunny day. This was the starting point of what has become an organisation staffed by hundreds of volunteers that have so far fulfilled almost 8,000 wishes.

More about his story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03ttpq2

Dorris Francis
Almost every day Dorris Francis stands at a road junction in Ghaziabad, a suburb of Delhi,
and directs the traffic. She is not a policewoman, but over the years drivers who use that route have come to know her story and accept her being there. Dorris lost her daughter on this road and has devoted herself to stopping any further accidents there.

More about her story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03vygdv

Natalia Ponce de Leon
Colombian Natalia Ponce de Leon's life changed the day she was attacked by a stalker with acid. It burned her face, arms, abdomen and one of her legs. Acid attacks have become a major concern in Colombia over the last decade. About 100 people, most of them women, are estimated to be targeted every year. In January 2016 a new law was introduced in the country to impose tougher sentences on the perpetrators of acid attacks. The law is named after Natalia.

More about her story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03wvdzm

Lyse Doucet, BBC Chief International Correspondent and judge of Outlook Inspirations, says: “Our news headlines often focus on major crises and conflicts of our time. Outlook gives us a wonderful window into a different world through the celebration of the human spirit – stories that make us stop and listen. Outlook Inspirations left me humbled by the courage of individuals who fought their own battles, experienced or witnessed extraordinary pain in their lives, and turned it into a powerful force for good. Every one of the nominees is notable.”

Mary Hockaday says: “For half a century Outlook has been sharing extraordinary personal stories of courage, determination and compassion, inspiring many around the world. On its birthday we pay tribute to some of the programme's heroes whose actions have made a difference. I can't think of a better way to celebrate 50 years of Outlook on the BBC World Service.”

In March Outlook invited listeners to nominate people they wanted to suggest for Outlook Inspirations. At the same time the Outlook team searched the back catalogues for some of the most inspirational people who had featured on the programme to add to the list of nominees. A longlist of 50 nominees was announced in May.

Over the years, Outlook has spoken to hundreds of courageous individuals who have overcome adversity, followed their dreams and above all inspired those around them. Outlook Inspirations celebrates people who have shown incredible resilience through difficult times, changed the fortunes of their local community or demonstrated remarkable courage or compassion. Above all, stories that leave fellow human beings in awe.

For a full list of the 50 Outlook nominees: stories of people who have shown real courage and inspirations: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03m0fd6

FS