An unlikely duo who struck up a friendship while writing to one another during the pandemic have finally met up in person.
After 19 long virtual months, the two met up in a local London park where they traded gifts and embraced for the first time.
Lesley Roebuck, 69, from Leeds and five-year-old Aleena, from London, met when the pair were introduced through the Leeds Neighbourhood Network, reports Leeds Live.
Aleena, who now refers to Lesley as 'granny', had not seen her grandparents for a long time during the pandemic as they don't live in the UK and Lesley couldn't see her own grandchildren due to restrictions.
The pair became pen-pals and soon became firm friends.
Lesley said: "It meant a lot to me especially during lockdown because I'm vulnerable and had to isolate, it was lovely to get a card or letter through the letterbox, I told Aleena all about my granddaughter too who is the same age as Aleena.
"It was so lovely, I was holding back tears when we met."
The besotted pen-pals now talk via WhatsApp and even video call each other.
Lesley added: "I will probably write to Aleena for the rest of my life, I hope she will come to Leeds one day so we can meet up again."
Aleena in agreement said: "it was really good meeting granny Lesley, I'm going to make her letters and picture and all types of things for a very long time."
Aleena's mum Jafeeza added: "Aleena said she is going to make something special for Lesley over the
The Leeds Neighbourhood Network, first established in 2001, was initially a charity to combat social isolation and promote safety in homes. But the charity decided to branch out and set up a pen pal scheme to give the elderly and those who may feel alone a chance to form friendships.
Many of the charity's members are those who are vulnerable and advised to stay home during the pandemic for their safety, with many feeling lonely and in need of companionship.
Co-organiser Susan Childs, from Hawksworth Older People's Support Services, said: "The aim of the pen pal scheme was to find a way of engaging with our members, whilst giving them something to look forward to through the long and lonely months in lockdown."
"It's just lovely how they clicked straight away. I never thought the day would come that they would meet, it's such a lovely heartwarming thing to be a part of."
