Royal Mail made sure a seven-year-old boy knew his letter addressed to his dad in heaven was delivered safely.
The young boy, from Blackburn in West Lothian, sadly lost his father four years ago.
Each year, the family do something to recognise his birthday, and this year the seven-year-old posted a letter to his dad, writing his instructions to the postman on the envelope.
He wrote:
Mr Postman,
Can you take this to heaven for my dad’s birthday.
Thanks.
PixabayWhile Royal Mail are met with countless letters to deliver each day, this one clearly stood out to them, and Assistant Delivery Office Manager Sean Milligan made sure the hopeful child knew his letter had made it to its destination.
The Royal Mail worker sent a letter back to the boy, describing the challenges faced with delivering post to heaven but explaining how the reliable postman in charge would strive to overcome them.
The letter read:
I just wanted to take this opportunity to contact you about how we succeeded in the delivery of your letter. This was a difficult challenge avoiding stars and other galactic objects on route to heaven.
However please be assured that this particular important item of mail has been delivered. Royal Mail’s priority is to get our customers mail delivered safely, I know how important your mail is to you.
I will continue to do all I can to ensure delivery to heaven safely.
The incredible act of kindness was recognised by the young boy’s mum, Teri, who shared the story on Facebook.
Emphasising how moved she was by the Royal Mail’s response, Teri wrote:
A few weeks ago my 7 year old son posted this card to his dad in heaven and today he got a lovely reply from the postman.
I actually cannot state how emotional he is knowing his dad got his card… you didn’t have to make the effort to do this you could have just ignored it but the fact that yous have made the effort for a little boy you’ve never met is such a lovely thing to do.
Royal Mail you’ve just restored my faith in humanity and thank you it honestly means the world to him please share this so all the staff at Royal Mail know just how grateful we are. thanks and merry Christmas.
A few weeks ago my 7 year old son posted this card to his dad in heaven and today he got a lovely reply from the postman…
Posted by Teri Copland on Wednesday, 28 November 2018
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Teri explained how her son is now determined to become a postman when he grows up, as in his words, ‘they have to travel through very dangerous places to deliver the mail’.
The lovely story has been shared over 86,000 times since Teri posted the pictures of the letters to Facebook, with many people praising the Royal Mail staff for the incredible way they handled the situation.
One mother touched by the post commented:
I have a little boy who is almost 7 and his daddy is in heaven too so this really hit my heart strings, such a beautiful caring gesture by Royal Mail, well done on making a little boys dream come true.
Royal Mail’s response was truly heartwarming!
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.