Special deliverers

Today is National Postal Day and we're celebrating the fantastic work of postal staff in Sussex - and their love of the Albion.

Bruce Talbot

2020-04-29T08:00:00Z

Postman and Albion fan Bobby McGarrigle.

Today marks National Postal Workers Day, an event organised annually by the Union of Communication Workers to promote the fantastic work done by postal staff all year round but particularly important this year during the coronavirus crisis.

Thousands of postmen and women work at depots and sorting offices throughout Sussex and a lot of them are Albion fans and their efforts are really appreciated.

Chief executive Paul Barber said: “The postmen on my round in Hove are always keen to chat about the club if they see me or if I answer my front door, which is more often than ever right now, and they are all a credit to the Post Office.

“Everyone in in the postal service are doing an absolutely fantastic job for all of us in the community at this very difficult time and indeed throughout the year in normal times."

We spoke to four Sussex-based postal workers about their work and their love of the Albion.

Bobby McGarrigle - Brighton Delivery Office

"My whole life has been about the Albion home and away for over 30 years. Oh how I miss my football, the mates, the excitement, the beers. When this is all over, we will be back stronger than ever before. 'Keep the faith.'

Jake Caldecourt, Brighton Delivery Office

Knowing that the items I am delivering could be vital for some people is one thing keeping me going through current times, the other is knowing I can watch the Albion play when this is all over!

Jake Caldecourt

Gary Burgess, Worthing Delivery Office

Working through the current crisis is strange with very few people on the streets and the worry that you are carrying the virus or if you are going to catch the virus.

I have been an Albion fan for over 40 years and weekends during the football season have been my constant - the highs and lows, either going to the match, listening on BBC radio or watching on the television every week without fail. My family know if we've won or lost or played well by my moods in the evening.

This year has left me and my family in limbo but hopefully all will return (if not normally) soon. In Graham Potter I trust. Up the Albion.

We thank all postmen and women, as well as NHS staff and other key workers, for their fantastic efforts during this difficult time and we hope to see all of them back at the Amex soon.

Postman Gary Burgess

Carl Pinnell- Crawley Delivery Office

I’m Brighton born and bred and a big Albion fan. During these tough times I have put on various superhero suits for the area I deliver to, which the customers and especially the children love.

I did this for no reason but to bring a smile to those who are in lockdown, as I am lucky enough to still be working and am outdoors for most of the day.

Be safe and keep smiling!