Steven Kay, a postman doing the rounds in Heywood, has been presented with a Christmas Star Award by BBC North West Tonight.
Steven was given the award on Friday 4 December as a result of raising more than £17,000 for Heywood Foodbank this year. He has been delivering post in fancy dress costumes since the start of lockdown in March 2020.
To date, Steven has raised £17,687 for his local foodbank and hopes to hit the £20,000 mark before the end of the year.
Speaking about his recent award, Steven Kay said: “I had no idea I was going to receive the BBC award - it was a big surprise. Bernadette [a volunteer at Heywood Foodbank] asked me to come to the foodbank and I just thought it was a normal visit, but then the BBC were there waiting for me to arrive.
“I was blown away to learn I had been nominated and was very, very emotional when receiving the award.
“I want to thank Bernadette Gee and Tony Munroe who have so much community spirit and really helped me achieve this, and I want to thank the town of Heywood for the support everyone has shown me.
“Starting this fundraising was the best thing I ever did.“
Bernadette Gee, volunteer at Heywood Foodbank, said: "It was a pleasure to present Steven with the BBC North West Tonight Christmas Star. Steven’s fundraising since the start of lockdown is on track to reach £20,000 by Christmas. He hasn’t just raised much needed funds for Heywood Foodbank, but has also raised the profile of the Foodbank.
"People are more aware of us now and donate both food and cash because they have seen what Steven has been doing. Many businesses have got on board and Steven has become a bit of a celebrity now in Heywood with his fancy dress outfits, and he does it all with a smile whilst delivering all our post and parcels."
After receiving his award, the BBC filmed Steven on his rounds in Heywood and spoke to some of his customers about the work he has been putting in over the last year.
His feature will be aired on BBC One’s North West Tonight at 6.30pm on Friday (18 December).
The public can nominate anyone they feel deserves a BBC Christmas Star award by emailing nwt@bbc.co.uk and marking the subject as ‘Christmas Star’. In the email, you should tell the BBC about your hero in the community and why you think they are so special for the chance for them to receive an award.
If you want to support Heywood foodbank visit their website for details:
heywoodfoodbank.com