Daughters of late Barrow postie Stuart Metcalfe praise memorial bench

Neighbours and colleagues donated thousands earlier this year to buy a bench and plaque in memory of Stuart Metcalfe.

A loyal Barrow AFC supporter, dedicated postman, and much-loved dad, Stuart died suddenly on September 14 at the age of 57.

Stuart was husband to Cheryl, dad to Laura and Stephanie, step-dad to Laura, Becky, Adam and Sophie and grandad to Imogen, Awais and Polly

A devoted postman of 25 years, Stuart was known for delivering mail across Barrow and Dalton during his decades of service.

He was also known for his life-long support of the Bluebirds which he shared with his wife of five years Cheryl.

In honour of his support of the club, Royal Mail colleagues came together to purchase a plaque placed at the Barrow AFC fan zone in Stuart’s memory.

Residents on Mendip Gardens – where Stuart lived for 22 years – also joined forces to fundraise a bench, plaque and flag to be put up in honour of their late neighbour who has left a ‘big hole on the street’.

Stuart’s daughters, Laura and Stephanie, visited their dad’s bench for the first time this week and praised the gesture for ‘honouring his memory’.

Stephanie said: “My sister and I would like to thank everybody who donated money or their time towards this beautiful bench that will be forever at our dad’s street.

“We wanted to show you all what you have contributed to.

“We really just want to thank everyone for making it happen and show people what it meant to us.

“I am so so proud of my sister and I and I know our dad would be too. I am and always will be devasted by our loss but I know I’ll continue to honour his memory.

“The bench means that no matter what we will always have somewhere to sit, reflect on memories and even chat to our dad whilst being surrounded by the environment in which we grew up in.

“Massive thank you to all of his neighbours who made this happen and to Toni Ellis, John Ellis and Sian Louise Ellis. We love you dad, forever and always.”