In our weekly good news round-up, we feature three positive stories from across the week that showcase remarkable innovation, breakthroughs, and progress within the realms of healthcare, sustainability, equity and inclusion, workplace wellbeing, social impact and more.

Here are three positive stories for the week of 27 January to 2 February, 2025, reminding us of the positive change happening around the world.

Formula One auction raises over £100,000 for spinal injury research

An auction organised by F1 Authentics, in collaboration with Oracle Red Bull Racing and Memento Exclusives, has raised £103,000 for spinal injury research charity Wings for Life.

Among the top auction items were a visit to Red Bull’s training facility in Milton Keynes and a unique race simulator signed by four-time world champion Max Verstappen — an exclusive piece, as signed items from the Dutch driver are rare.

The auction attracted 25 bids, with all proceeds supporting Wings for Life’s mission to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The funds will go towards further research and clinical trials. Barry Gough, CEO of Memento Exclusives, the company behind F1 Authentics, called it a “phenomenal achievement” that will make a real difference to the charity’s work.

 

Brent to host world’s largest living wall

A new data centre under construction in Brent, northwest London, will soon feature the world’s largest living wall, covering an impressive 7,400 square metres.

Developed by Pure Data Centres (Pure DC), the building will serve some of the world’s biggest tech companies while also helping to cut pollution, reduce noise, and boost biodiversity.

Located at JVC Business Park near the North Circular and M1, the site sits next to Brent Reservoir, a protected nature reserve. The living wall — to be made up of over 750,000 native plants—will act as a “living shell” around the building, overtaking the current world record held by a site in Qatar.

Brent is a borough known for its diverse communities and landmarks like Wembley Stadium.

 

Wrightbus unveils new electric buses and trucks for Europe-wide rollout

Northern Ireland-based Wrightbus has launched a new range of electric vehicles under its Rightech brand, expanding its presence across the UK and Europe.

The new lineup includes two electric trucks — both 7.5-tonne models in left- and right-hand drive — alongside two compact buses, measuring 6m and 9m.

Wrightbus, known for developing the world’s first hydrogen-powered double-decker bus, already has 1,700 electric vehicles on the road and has secured orders across its target markets.

To support its expansion, Rightech has partnered with vehicle services firm Sapphire, adding 14 regional workshops across the UK. In Europe, it has signed agreements with service providers in Germany, France, and the Benelux region, complementing its regional service headquarters in Brühl.