Today is Siblings Day (yes, there really is a day for everything) so we’re using it as an excuse to celebrate all things sisterly and brotherly.
While recognised globally, it’s a holiday in parts of the US and Canada. There’s also the European Brothers and Sisters Day, on May 31, which similarly honours the relationship of brothers and sisters of all ages.
Unlike Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, the day is not federally recognised in the United States, though the Siblings Day Foundation is working to change this.
Since 1998, the governors of 49 states have officially issued proclamations to recognise Siblings Day in their state.
Siblings Days are also celebrated in India while the Hindu holiday of Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond of brothers and sisters.
Our main picture shows siblings coming together for a good cause – namely Macmillan Cancer Support. Smiling for the camera with Jo Knight-Green are Caine, Tillie and Albert Fawcett at a Macmillan Coffee Day hosted by Arlecdon School and the Friends of Arlecdon.
Brother and sister Daniel and Emily Wilson gave a whole new meaning to ‘running in the family’ when they came first and second in their junior fell races at the Ennerdale Show in 2015.
The same year, Ava and George Ellis had fun at the Pirates, Princesses and Superheroes day at Muncaster Castle.
Tayla Colling, 17, of Penrith was glad of her siblings’ support during treatment for leukaemia. She is pictured after being given the all-clear with Ashton, mum Kiera, back, and Freya.
Brother and sister Emily, 15, and Jacob Dibble, 11, from Lowick, both competed to a high level in javelin throwing, while Bethany, Jessica and Nick Hurst from Whitehaven designed patches for the Children’s Patchwork Banner project at the Haig Mining Museum.
In 2014, Sara Milburn from Carlisle ran the Race For Life after she and four of her siblings had cancer.
Mum Becky Graham, from Cargo, certainly had her hands full with five children including one-year-old quads. She was raising funds for Alfie, second right, to help with his cerebral palsy.
Our final picture shows Mabel Glew, who was being reunited with her siblings at Christmas 2014.
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