Clown on a round

Before lockdown began and Covid-19 took over the world, postman Mukesh Parmar, from Bolton West Delivery Office, was already deemed a fantastic postman.

During lockdown, however, Mukesh has embarked on a one-man crusade to brighten up the town of Westhoughton by dressing up in a rainbow-themed costume, complete with accessories, a hat, clown hair and even face paint – a look that has prompted many of his customers to take to social media to voice their praise.

Fraud prevention and risk manager, Vichy Bailey, who is one of Mukesh’s customers, said: ‘I was contacted by a number of residents to ask how we could recognise all the amazing work Mukesh has been doing. Customers have been asking me how proud I must be to work for a company such as Royal Mail, with employees like Mukesh.

‘Mukesh has been making it his mission to entertain some of his younger customers who often wait at their windows for him to appear. They call him “Mr Postman Tumble” or “Mr Rainbow Postman,” and have even taken to dressing like him!’

Some of the comments customers have made on Facebook include:

• ‘He literally brightens up your day.’
• ‘He looks more like a rainbow every time we see him.’
• ‘He’s a breath of fresh air – he’s always so bright and cheerful, his commitment is second to none.’
• ‘What a legend, he’s not only had to carry on working through all this madness, but he’s done it in style. He makes me smile every time I see him.’
• ‘Do Royal Mail realise what an absolute star they have working for them?’

Well, yes we do!

One Westhoughton customer named ‘Mark’ got in touch in person to praise Mukesh, saying: ‘Mukesh has been a wonderful source of fun and smiles throughout this difficult period and continues to bring smiles and joy to all his customers. He’s a true ambassador for Royal Mail.’

‘Since 1 April, aptly, I have been making a fool of myself to give others something to laugh about in these challenging times,’ said Mukesh. ‘Originally inspired by all the rainbow art children were putting up in their windows to show their support for the NHS and key workers, I decided to pay my own tribute.

‘It started with a novelty rainbow-coloured umbrella hat, which everyone loved. I then added a rainbow poncho, rainbow socks/tights and gloves. The reaction from customers and passers-by was absolutely amazing, so I took it a bit further and turned into a "proper clown" with full rainbow-coloured face paint, a wig, squeaky red nose, and clown shoes that squeaked on each step. I also had some honking clown horns and a kazoo for impromptu musical performances (I've done quite a few socially-distanced doorstep birthday renditions!). So now the transformation is complete.

‘The main thing that people say is "Thank you for putting a smile on my face.” The appreciation for the job we've been doing has been overwhelming. I've been showered with thank you cards, and drawings,. I even had a mini-presentation when I got “ambushed” by some customers in one street, who then presented me with a personalised card with a photo of my clown self.

‘As things slowly get back to normal, I hope people don't forget the sadness and loss that Covid-19 has caused, particularly those who have died in the line of duty on the frontline, like one of my customers. Rest in peace Gillian Oakes, who worked in a hospice, a true angel.’