‘Meet our family’
Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Jill Lee has been happily delivering to her customers while at the same time looking after more than 160 animals with her partner!
Jill has been a postwoman in Brighton for 40 years, having started in September 1980 as a 16-year-old cadet.
‘I was first through the door, and I'm still here,’ says Jill. ‘We worked exactly the same shifts as the postmen except we started at 6am instead of 5am. My first wage packet was £35. That was a good wage for a 16-year-old back in 1980!
‘I've always been based in Brighton although I did stints in Hove and Rottingdean when I was younger. I don't know where the years have gone. One year rolls into another, you get a mortgage, you have a secure job and so you stay.
‘I now work four days a week, which is great for me as my partner and I own and run an animal sanctuary called Hollyview Animal Sanctuary. The arrangement works well as it allows me to spend time with our animals - my sole passion in life.’
Hollyview cares for six dogs, 28 tortoises, two giant geese, 18 ducks, three Alpacas, four donkeys, 10 goaties, two horses, two guinea pigs, 12 rabbits, 42 budgies, one cockatiel, four sheep, more than 40 cats, some guinea fowl and chickens plus a swimming pool full of Koi, goldfish and tench!
‘We’re not a big charity or an income-based animal centre,’ said Jill. ‘We’re just two dedicated animal lovers who had a dream to offer a simple loving forever home to all the animals we can. Since our dream began, our sanctuary has grown exponentially over the years and we now have more than 160 animals living with us.
‘We take in any animal that needs our help. We try to rehome where appropriate, but as most of the animals we take in have suffered either mental or physical abuse, or both, the majority stay with us for life. Being a non-profit charity, we rely solely on our wages and donations to run the sanctuary. It’s hard work and, at times, very emotional, but the rewards of seeing the changes in the animals’ wellbeing is priceless.’
MPU manager, Gareth Jones, said: ‘Jill has just hit her 40th year in Royal Mail and has some fascinating stories. She’s a dedicated long-serving great employee, with a commendable service record and is well known for her exceptional levels of customer service.’
