A perfect day

When Liz Dudley appealed on Facebook for the community to help mark her daughter’s 11th birthday, she had no idea of the generosity that was to follow.

Liz explained in the post that her daughter Chloe has a genetic condition known as 1p36 deletion syndrome, with multiple disabilities as well as limited hearing, speech and vision.

The appeal was for 11 cards to mark her 11th birthday, because Chloe loves seeing her postman and waits for the post to arrive every day.

The appeal was noticed by a colleague at Harrogate Delivery Office, and conversations began both there and at Ripon Delivery Office, which serves Chloe’s address.

Harrogate delivery office manager Paul Wilkins coordinated efforts and bought cards for colleagues to sign.

‘Unbeknown to me, colleagues were actually putting in cash donations too,’ said Paul. ‘I wrote a letter to Chloe explaining that we at Royal Mail had heard it was her birthday, so we’d decided to bring her some cards.

‘Trevor Walker, Chloe’s postman, had been invited in for birthday cake on the day, so we sent all our cards to Ripon and Trevor delivered them.’

In all, Chloe received more than 260 cards following the appeal.

‘Chloe’s parents were overwhelmed,’ said Trevor. ‘Cards came from all over – it’s been amazing.’

Chloe’s dad Pete Dudley said: ‘Royal Mail played a major part, not only did they deliver large quantities – even using a plastic crate to hold them all – they even sent cards themselves from nearly every colleague in both Ripon and Harrogate.

‘There is so much care and compassion in the world, we have experienced a small piece of it and for that we thank you all.’