Information & advice

Mollie Hyland from Waterloo‚ Huddersfield
Nominated by granddaughter Kate Cryer

Kate‚ 12‚ nominated Mollie because she always has time for her family and other people and they admire her strength of character. Mollie has large‚ close-knit family including eight children‚ 23 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She has also fostered two children and once took in a homeless man. 

Mollie’s grandchildren say that her relationship with them has evolved as they’ve grown up.  She shares the same hairdresser as her granddaughters. Kate says: “Grandma loves being with young people‚ all her grandchildren have great chats and good laughs with her.  She has led an eventful life and entertains us with funny stories. Grandma’s house is ’HQ’ where all the family meet.  She is a hugely caring person who looks after everyone. She has worked hard all her life but is still a happy lady with lots of love to give. I hope I can be as happy in life.”

Mollie is a member of a group called ‘Bridge the Gap’‚ which promotes intergenerational activities. She visits high schools and undertakes activities with pupils in Years 10 and 11.  Mollie feels it is important for kids‚ particularly those who don’t have contact with their grandparents‚ to spend time with older people. 

Mollie says: “The nomination came out of the blue but I’m not nervous. All my grandchildren are really lovely and I’m very proud of them. Being a grandparent is a different type of responsibility from being a parent. It’s a labour of love and I wouldn’t be without them.”