Vote 100

Her popularity and heroic stamina are reasons enough why Tiverton postwoman, Jill Penberthy, has been nominated for our Vote 100 campaign.

Cover manager, Helen Coombs from Tiverton delivery office, said: ‘Jill is a really well-liked postwoman in our office and someone who always goes way beyond what is asked of her.

‘Jill comes in at 4.30 every morning to help with the workload. Even if overtime was taken away from the office, she would still come in to help out! She never has any complaints.

‘Each morning she does a full-time delivery – popping into our elderly customers – and then goes on to do a cleaning job. We really don’t know how she does it!

‘We all admire Jill for her hard work and dedication. She’s just a lovely lady. In fact, she’s our hero!’

‘I have been a postwoman for 30 years and I still enjoy my job,’ said Jill. ‘I suppose it’s the small office and the people who work there - they’re so friendly. We’re like a little family.

‘I’ve seen lots of changes. When I first started I worked part-time, working from 3pm until 7pm sorting the mail and then driving it into Exeter. Then I went full-time, sometimes in a van, sometimes on a bike. We used to have a second delivery then, but we would finish a lot earlier, which I loved.

‘I’ve had some funny things happen to me on my rounds over the years. I had to help get a sheep, who was full of maggots, onto the back of a truck. I couldn’t wait to wash my hands afterwards!

‘I also had to help a lady put her tights on as she couldn’t lift her legs and her husband couldn’t bend down!

‘My customers are so nice and friendly and it all helps with a day’s delivery. The only thing I hate is working in the ice and snow.’

Vote 100

[]

Our Vote 100 campaign is your chance to help us showcase the enormous contribution Royal Mail women make each and every day both to colleagues and customers, ensuring we remain the UK’s most trusted postal operator.

If there is someone in your workplace who you admire for their outstanding work ethic, their drive to improve their own and others’ skills, their knack for supporting or mentoring others, showing kindness, overcoming obstacles, or influencing positive behaviour – we want to hear from you!

Please send your name and contact details plus the name of the colleague you wish to nominate and your reasons for doing so, to vote100@royalmail.com. We will then be in touch to obtain further details.