Silver lining

A singing postman who has spent years raising money for his local children’s hospital is ramping up his fundraising efforts following a family tragedy.

Every Christmas since 2003, nightshift worker Steve Bolton has sung and played guitar at Leeds Mail Centre, collecting more than £5,500 from generous colleagues.

His performance in December 2018 was as well-received as ever, bringing in £295, with Royal Mail adding £200 in matched funding.

However, among the cover versions in the 35-minute set was a new, deeply personal song, dedicated to the memory of Steve’s baby grandson, Jax, who died of the incurable condition mitochondrial disease in 2017.

‘I’ve always sent the donations to Leeds Children’s Hospital because it’s a very good cause,’ said Steve. ‘But this time, it went to a charity called The Lily Foundation, which raises money for research into genetic illnesses.

‘They will also receive royalties from my song “This Boy From The Clouds”. The lyrics explain Jax’s short presence on earth, why he came but sadly departed after just 11 short weeks.’

A postman for 39 years, Steve learned guitar when he turned 40 and quickly found he had a talent for performing and songwriting. As well as his popular annual shows at the mail centre, he regularly sings at open mic nights around Leeds.

‘Age isn’t on my side, but I would like to do more of this,’ he said. ‘In 2017, I performed to a 200-strong audience in the regional finals of Britain Does Variety. I didn’t do too badly and I’m applying to appear at local festivals.

‘I can’t imagine the organisers of the Reading and Leeds Festival would want me, but that would be absolutely the dream.’

Steve’s charity single can be viewed on YouTube or downloaded from iTunes for 99p. Click here to download it.