Back on his feet

A winter walk turned into a life-changing event for postman Kevin Gaynor, but he was fortunate the Rowland Hill Fund was there to help.

Kevin, who has worked at Newcastle-Under-Lyme Delivery Office for nine years, was enjoying a walk on a day off when he stumbled over a stile and fell heavily onto his shoulder.

Initially, he thought it was just badly bruised, but in the days that followed the pain became so severe he had to go to hospital. An MRI scan showed he had sustained a full rotator cuff tear – torn muscles that affect the ability to lift and rotate the arm.

‘It was a really nasty fall,’ said Kevin. ‘But what the charity has done for me is amazing. If you need help, don’t be ashamed of asking them.

‘It’s important that people support the Fund and let others know that it’s there to help people who are struggling.’

Kevin went under the knife a few months after his fall and had reconstruction surgery. His shoulder was strapped for six weeks with an expected recovery period of around 12 months.

Sadly, he has been advised that he may never recover the full use of his arm.

He has been unable to work since the accident, which is having a significant financial impact on his family’s finances. He is married and has three school-age daughters and an adult son.

Fortunately, the Fund was happy to support Kevin and his family by contributing towards his future mortgage payments.

Ready to help financially

The Rowland Hill Fund offers financial help to colleagues, Royal Mail Group pensioners and their families. For more information call the confidential hotline on 0345 600 4586.