All the stops
The team at Wellington Delivery Office have been pulling out all the stops in support of their colleague, postman, Kieran Mackenzie.
In July, Kieran was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer, known as ‘Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumour (PNET).’ The cancer, which is incurable, is on his spinal cord and in his lungs.
In the months prior to his diagnosis, Kieran had been suffering with severe back pain, leg numbness and an increasing inability to walk. After numerous trips to his doctor and A&E, he was admitted to hospital and following extensive testing, biopsies and scans they found his diagnosis.
Kieran underwent major spinal surgery on 4 July to reduce some of the pressure on his spine in the hope, with intensive physiotherapy, he can walk again and be more mobile. Two weeks after the surgery, Kieran started suffering more neck pain, and was unable to use his legs and hands. An MRI scan showed that the tumour they operated on had grown back in just two weeks to a more advanced state than before his surgery.
Kieran can no longer walk. His response to the treatment will determine if he will be able to use his hands again. His treatment going forwards will aim to reduce his pain and improve his mobility as much as possible. At present, Kieran and his fiancée, Kelly are trying to find somewhere to live that’s fully adapted to Kieran’s needs.
‘The support from everyone and the GoFundMe fundraising over the past year has been unbelievable,’ said Kelly. ‘We ask you to share this update to continue raising funds for items needed for Kieran’s mobility, such as an electric wheelchair, house adaptions, and to reduce the financial burden that this disease can cause with us both being unable to work at the moment. Thank you so much.’
‘Kieran’s GoFundMe page stands at more than £13,000, which is amazing. Delivery office manager, Oliver Foster has raised awareness of the campaign by sharing Kieran’s story on BBC Radio Somerset. And the delivery team sent out fliers to over 2,000 homes within the Wellington remit.
‘On Saturday 1 August, 40 colleagues held a static bike ride fundraiser for Kieran outside the front of the delivery office in the high street and raised £3,554. Furthermore, a local shop held a raffle, which raised over £1,000.
‘A big thank you to all that have supported Kieran at this very challenging time for him and his family. If you haven’t already donated, a link to Kieran’ fundraising page can be found below.’
Wellington delivery office manager, Oliver Foster, said: ‘I’d just like to say how proud I am of my team. It goes to show what a great team spirit there is here in Wellington. We all have each other’s backs, no matter what.
‘They are all a credit to Royal Mail for the way they have pulled together for one of their own. I’m bursting with pride and if there’s anything else we can do for Kieron and his family and friends, we’re more than happy to do so.’
Please click here if you would like to contribute to Kieran’s fundraising.
