Horsham posties deliver a smile in memory of much-loved colleague

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Posties in Horsham have raised thousands for charity by completing their rounds in fancy dress in memory of a former colleague.

A team of 30 post men and women who took to the streets on Saturday, April 25, raised more than £3,000 – smashing their £250 target.

The posties, who work out of Royal Mail’s Horsham Delivery Office, donned fancy dress to raise money for St Catherine’s Hospice in memory of their much-loved colleague, John Brooksbank.

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John, who had secondary brain cancer, was a familiar face to many, having worked as a postman in Horsham for 33 years. His colleagues wanted to do something to support St Catherine’s, who cared for John and his family when he was ill. Costumes varied from superheroes to one postie who donned a giant whoopee cushion. They receivedrounds of applause and smiles as they knocked on doors. Kerry Haines, who organised the fundraiser said: “We had agreed before John’s funeral in an attempt to raise some money for St Catherine’s that some of our staff could be sponsored to perform their deliveries in fancy dress. We’ve now raised over £3,000 in John’s memory, and we’re still receiving donations.

Posties donned fancy dress in memory of their colleaguePosties donned fancy dress in memory of their colleague
Posties donned fancy dress in memory of their colleague | Other 3rd Party

“We’ve been astounded by the generosity we’ve received from colleagues and members of the public. We never expected any of this, we just wanted to remember John and make people smile the way he did.”

The public really enjoyed the costumes and posed for photos with the posties, according to Kerry. She added: “It was a special day and I’m sure John would be very proud of the smiles and the money we’ve raised. We hope that in this time of need the money will help the hospice provide the vital care and support that they’re known for.”

Tom Abbott, director of fundraising at St Catherine’s Hospice said: “We’re so grateful to Kerry and the whole team from Horsham Royal Mail’s Delivery Office. It’s a brilliant, uplifting way to honour the memory of their friend and colleague, John, and to bring smiles to the faces of others at a time it’s really needed. At St Catherine’s, we’re continuing to care for people who need us during this pandemic, but our community’s support is needed now more than ever. We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone involved.”

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Earlier in the month, the team also paid tribute to John when they formed an escort of 14 Royal Mail vans to accompany his coffin to Crawley Crematorium. Kerry said: “After 33 years of service John was a much loved and respected member of our Royal Mail family. As we couldn’t attend his funeral in the usual way due to the current restrictions, we were granted permission to use some vans to pay our respects. It was a very proud moment for us all when members of the public stopped and watched as we followed John in convoy on his final journey.”

John Brooksbank SUS-200422-115416001John Brooksbank SUS-200422-115416001
John Brooksbank SUS-200422-115416001 | User (UGC)

To donate see https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/horshamdeliveryoffice

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