Black History Month: Greater Manchester's every day heroes
We're celebrating the history makers of 2020.
Last updated 23rd Oct 2020
As we continue to mark Black History Month, we're meeting the history makers of 2020 who're making a real difference in Greater Manchester.
58-year-old Leon Mundell from Moss Side has dedicated 21 years of his life to charity work and, through the pandemic, has put his own health at risk to continue serving his community.
The African Caribbean Care Group was established in 1983 to provide essential wellbeing services to elderly residents in Manchester, Trafford and Salford. Operating out of Claremont Resource Centre in Hulme, it's continued to support people throughout the pandemic with the delivery of hot meals, a telephone helpline and food parcels for service users.
Leon has continued his involvement with the charity throughout the COVID19 crisis, assisting with the delivery of meals for the socially isolated and shielding, as well as helping with gardening, food shopping and simply cheering people up on their doorsteps.
Despite the disproportionate impact that coronavirus is proven to have on Black and Asian communities, Leon told us that he never questioned continuing his work: "My mother did things like this before she passed away so I'm just following the tradition really.
"When I go to people’s homes and knock on their doors - you want to see how fast they open them - they're so glad to see me; their faces light up. I like to see people smile. I like to see people happy. I sing a little song or tell a little joke to cheer them up.
"When I visit them, I can't really go too close. I want to give them a hug or shake their hand - but I can't.
"They understand when I explain the situation and I hope the community understands and appreciates what I've been doing."
Leon's efforts and dedication to charity work have now been recognised by the Queen. He's set to be honoured with an MBE for services to the community during the COVID19 response.