Postman does deliveries in fancy dress to ‘lift spirits’ of people in lockdown

A postman has been attempting to spread a little joy everywhere he goes as he continues to drop off his deliveries in fancy dress.

Jon Matson, 39, has worked for Royal Mail for four years and made the decision during lockdown to get dressed up to “lift the spirits” of the residents he sees.

In the last few days, the dad-of-two has been seen around the Boldon area dressed up as Little Bo Peep and a Greek solider, but tells people that they should expect to see many more outfits in the coming days.

He was told he could do his rounds in his crazy outfits as long as he wore his ID and his company shoes.

Explaining why he decided to wear fancy dress he told Sunderland Echo : “Everyone is uncertain at the moment and you are the only person outside of the family that they see, so why not give them something to smile about?”

He said the reaction on the very first day was “amazing” and once the word started being spread online, people started looking out for him.

Speaking to the BBC he added: “It has lifted the spirits of the entire community and it’s got a lot of people connected and talking which I think is a vital lifeline while we’re stuck inside.”

Zoe Grant, a resident on Jon’s postal route, said: “Jon is sending such a positive message to the residents that this virus is not all doom and gloom and even our key workers who are still out there doing their jobs to keep the nation running and saving lives can do it in good spirit and with a sense of pride and humour.

“I’m proud that Jon is my postman and I can’t wait to see his next costume”.