Leeds Residents Give Each Other A Hand (or Leg)

People across Leeds have been helping each other with everything from ironing to golf lessons - and they're not doing it for a profit.

It's all in the name of #legup - a Twitter trend started during the Channel 4 show The Last Leg.

The show's front man Adam Hills suggested that people who genuinely need help with something - or wanted to offer help - should tweet their request or offer using #legup.

It soon entered the top 10 trends for Leeds, with people of all ages offering their services or asking for help.

Maddy Hill from West Park used the hashtag to request help on behalf of her neighbour, who's struggling to put together his new garage because of a tumour on his leg.

"I posted it and explained the situation and I didn't actually think anybody would say 'I've got some time', because they're big concrete panels," Maddy says.

"But within minutes people were offering help and it was just overwhelming. There was even people saying 'I can't do anything physical but I'll help out on the day', or 'my daughter can help."

"It really warms your heart that there's so many people out there. Because we all struggle. But having #legup gives you a sense that it's okay to ask if you need help."

Maddy's neighbour Andrew now has numerous volunteers to help him finish off his DIY - and he's just one of many who've benefited.

Some people asked for help with specific things:

*@hiccuphannah101 said "@TheLastLeg #legup needing a job in leeds. Willing to donate my first months wage to charity."*

‏@KECC1853 "@TheLastLeg Community cricket club in Leeds always looking for supporters and volunteer help! Would you like to get involved? #legup"

‏@ChrisHead26 "Need golf lessons in Leeds! Drinks are on me #legup"

Some got a successful response:

‏*@rubycdean "@TheLastLeg Need a great dj for are wedding in September #legup #myfiancedeservesit"*

‏@phazeevents "@rubycdean @TheLastLeg where you live, I've DJ'd for 25 years, I'll do it for free if you live close enough, Leeds Yorkshire #legup"

Others offered out their time and services:

‏*@MyBeerFairy "Got a jet washer and not afraid to use it Leeds 12 area #legup"*

*@wrappingranch "I have lots of cellophane offcuts to gift wrap your charity raffle gifts if you can collect from Leeds #legup (proof of charity required)"*

*@minting99 "#legup struggling with post natal anxiety/depression? Previous sufferer or still going through it? Don't be ashamed-Happy to chat! #Leeds"*

Comedian Adam Hills tweeted to thank people for getting involved, saying "So chuffed at the support for #legup. Well done y'all. There are some really brilliant people out there."

Maddy says she was overwhelmed by the kindness of others - and thinks it proves community spirit is still very much alive.

"It says a lot about Leeds," she says.

"We're a great city. Only a few days ago, a lady's cat got poorly and it needed sorting quickly and was going to cost £200. And my friend - who didn't even know her - said 'I'll pay for it, you can sort me out later'. That was on Facebook. There are a lot of people who have a lot of heart."

Have you done any random acts of kindness for a stranger, or had somebody do one for you? Tweet us @radioairenews