What a trooper

The force was strong with postman, Darren Sutcliffe, from Blackpool and Poulton Delivery Office, when he delivered his round dressed as a stormtrooper on Star Wars Day.

Saturday 4 May, is observed by many Star Wars fans as Star Wars Day, an annual celebration of the popular media franchise.

On the day itself, Darren raised thousands for Kidney Research UK, in memory of his stepfather, Rod Park, who passed away on 4 May 2018.

‘Rod had a kidney transplant 20 years ago,’ said Darren. ‘He had polycystic kidney disease and lost his father to the same disease at the age of 46. Rod is sadly missed; he was a very funny man with a great sense of humour, who was caring and loving and best of all, he made my mum happy.’

Darren said: ‘The day went down a storm. I really enjoyed it. Even now, my customers are asking they will see "him" again.

At the moment, the fundraising total is around £3,000, which is amazing. There are still more collection buckets to be collected as well as a cheque from Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden.

‘We also have a raffle and another collection bucket due at the end of Blackpool’s summer season, so the total will definitely rise.’