A lollipop lady knew just how to spread a little love in difficult times.
As well as safely getting children across the road Keri Muldoon is well known in her Salford neighbourhood for organising events to bolster a community spirit.
But as the country remains in lockdown as the COVID-19 pandemic is fought the mother-of-two astounded locals with a beautiful gesture.
People in 48 homes woke up on Valentine's Day morning to find a gift left on their doorstep by Keri.
They were all left a rose, teabags, and a mug embossed with the message 'you are loved'.
Keri had applied for funding through a grant scheme organised by housing association, Salix Homes.
With the help of volunteers, Keri delivered the gifts during the early hours of Sunday morning to homes in Broughton, so people would wake up to their Valentine’s surprise.
She said: “I planned this Valentine’s Day surprise, so that I could help bring some smiles back to this crazy world we have found ourselves in.
“I know people have been feeling the effects of being in lockdown, so I wanted to help them know that they are loved.”
Salix Homes supported Keri’s Valentine’s Day gesture with a £100 grant from its Springboard programme, which provides funding to projects, groups and initiatives in Salford that boost community spirit, promote health and wellbeing, reduce isolation or improve the environment.
Sian Grant, executive director of operations at Salix Homes, said: “We want to encourage people to love their neighbourhood and Keri definitely loves hers.
“Keri is great at coming up with ideas that boost community spirit, so we hope that people are inspired by her to do the same. Any Salford resident can apply for Springboard funding. All you need is a great idea that will benefit your community.”
Keri is also a member of Salix Homes Community Committee and has had a big impact on her own community over the years where she’s led a campaign to save a local Sure Start centre, co-ordinates the Broughton Flood Group and organises a children’s drama class.
