But there have been heroes and smiles as well as misfortune and sadness. We look back on some of the stories that were making the biggest headlines in Wigan over the past 12 months.
21. November
Two World War One soldiers from Wigan finally received proper funerals after their remains were formally identified by scientists. Photo: submit
22. November
Plans to build a multi-storey car park near to Wigan Infirmary to alleviate the hospital's parking problems were axed due to the rocketing cost of materials which no longer made it affordable. Freckleton Street car park will now remain as it is. Photo: submit
23. WWIG-16-12-22-Paul Horrocks1-NWupload.jpg
Former marital arts fighter Paul Harrock has amazed doctors who gave him just three months to live by not only lasting a year so far but also beating his cancer into retreat by fasting and using a drug not yet authorised in Britain Photo: PH