In the picture

Billingshurst postman of 14 years, Michael Teague was left speechless when one of his customers presented him with a stunning hand-drawn portrait that has since gone viral on social media.

‘The artist's name is Rob Perry,’ said Michael. ‘He’s a customer, whom I've got to know whilst doing my round in Loxwood over the last two years. I was chatting to him (from a safe distance of course) when he said: "That's a really good pose. Do you mind if I take a photo and draw you?"

‘He mentioned that he was drawing key workers. I agreed, said goodbye and thought nothing more of it.’

When the artist subsequently posted an image of Michael’s portrait on his Facebook account, he wrote: ‘This is Michael, our wonderful postman. Constantly cheerful, always smiling. I don’t know what we, as a nation, would have done without our postal workers and all of the other key workers who have kept the nation supplied, informed and healthy as we make our way through this difficult time. Saint Michael and all you VIPs…we salute you!’

After presenting Michael with his portrait, the artist posted the above photo on Facebook with the accompanying words: ‘After such a heart-warming response on Facebook as well as Instagram last night I had to share the moment when Michael received his portrait this morning.

‘Such a humble man and quite unaware of how much his service means to the community.’

When Michael fist saw his portrait, his initial thought was: ‘Wow - that's me, it's brilliant!’ he said. ‘Never in my wildest dreams did I think anyone would be able to capture me so well!

‘I was absolutely speechless and overwhelmed when Rob presented it to me, for me to take home. I feel honoured being recognised like this and proud to represent my Royal Mail colleagues.’ 

Michael has been married for nearly 40 years. He has three children and seven grandchildren. Before joining Royal Mail in 2006, Michael was a milkman for 22 years. He has also been a special police constable, a retained firefighter and marathon runner. A keen runner, Michael has to date completed five marathons and well over 100 half-marathons.

Billingshurst delivery office manager, Steve Pawley, said: ‘When I first saw the picture, I thought it was amazing, a true reflection of the gentleman that Michael is.

‘The picture has gone viral across all social media platforms and rightly so. But the important message for me was the response of Michael, his family and the customers on his delivery round. It’s been so positive in a time when there seems to be nothing but negativity.

‘The fact that someone took the time to create this and give it to Michael in appreciation of the service he delivers on a daily basis is great to see. That goes for all the other postmen and women up and down the country in these difficult times.’