Barrow neighbours of Stuart Metcalfe fundraise for memorial bench

Tributes have flooded in for loyal Barrow AFC supporter, dedicated postman, and much-loved dad Stuart Metcalfe who 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.

Stuart’s two daughters, Laura and Stephanie, described their late father as the ‘most loving and supportive dad’.

John Ellis has been a neighbour of Stuart on Mendip Gardens for the past 22 years.

John, who works as a taxi driver, said Stuart’s death has left a ‘big hole on the street’.

Stuart Metcalfe (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “I’ve seen his kids grow up. He’s really missed from this street. He was a good friend, we went fishing together, he was always there if you needed him with his wit and cheek.

“Stuart was a part of this neighbourhood. It was like the street lost someone equivalent to the Queen.

“It was the biggest shock to us all. I was only talking to him the day before.”

In a bid to keep Stuart’s memory alive, John set up a fundraiser to raise money for a bench, plaque and flag to be put up in Mendip Gardens in honour of his late neighbour and friend.

“I wanted to do this in memory of him,” he said.

“We talked a few days ago about setting up a fundraiser for a bench, plaque and Barrow flag for Mendip Gardens.

“We wanted a bench there so people could sit and remember Stuart’s life – it’s a way to keep his memory alive. We would look after it and it would last forever.”

Within a day of being set up, the fundraising page had reached more than £1,000 thanks to donations from Stuart’s colleagues, football friends and loved ones.

John said: “It had reached £1,000 within a day – we weren’t expecting that at all. People from all over have been donating – people who knew him in the post, from the football or knew him as ‘Meddy’.”

Surpassing the initial target overnight, John decided to donate any surplus money to Stuart’s children and grandchildren.

Stuart with his two children Laura and Stephanie (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “I’ve seen his kids grow up from kids to adults; I wanted to give back to them. They’ve done their dad so proud.

“Stuart’s passing has left a big hole in the neighbourhood. Neighbours haven’t stopped crying. We all look after each other here and Stuart was a big part of the street. If it was the other way around, he would do the same for us.”

Stuart’s daughter Laura said: “It's a lovely thing to do, and we're so surprised by it. We are overwhelmed with the love and support we've received.”

To make a donation, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-stu-metcalfe