Meet the inspiring 81-year-old who is playing a vital role in Leeds amid the coronavirus pandemic

Despite the coronavirus pandemic hitting communities across Leeds, there have been a number of uplifting stories that have emerged and none more so that inspiring 81-year-old volunteer Molly Mayes.

Molly, who began volunteering for AVSED (Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly) over four years ago, first got involved with the group after attending a Tai Chi class.

Her work for the charity - which is based in Yeadon - has played a vital role but has taken on added importance amid the worldwide crisis.

The former school secretary, who has lived in Leeds for over forty years but is originally from Bradford, calls those in the community who are housebound to check up on them and ensure they have all they need before reporting any concerns back to the non-profit organisation, who look after nearly four hundred people with just five permanent members of staff.

"It's to help people who are on their own," she told the YEP.

"It's the kind of thing I just do. I ring them on a Wednesday afternoon when they would be at the normal session. I think they look forward to me ringing now! It's helping people because although they have families they haven't been able to see them which is very sad.

"I'm another person just to help them through this time and they know if they ring me that I can help as best I can. I enjoy chatting to them. We have a good laugh. They can feel not very good some days, but as long as I leave them laughing that's the main thing.

"I'm not doing it out of a feel good factor. It's like my daughter said, it's just me. I don't think I'm doing anything out of the ordinary."

Though Molly believes that it's just something she does, the work she undertakes to help the charity is crucial in helping look after those who need it most, as Michelle Phillips, a Volunteer Engagement Officer, says.

"It's so important to have volunteers like Molly to be those extra set of eyes and ears," she said.

"Just helping pick up on the concerns of people we don't always get to speak to means that we can be comfortable knowing that while we do what we can, we do have others looking out for them."

Asked if she would recommend anyone who is thinking about volunteering across the city to do so, Molly said: "I would, absolutely.

"I see it as a big family. There might come a point where I am too old to do this and I need help in future. Hopefully people can do that."

The Yorkshire Evening Post this week pays tribute to those volunteers across our communities in Leeds who have gone above and beyond to help those in need. #VolunteersWeek runs from June 1-7.