Bench and memorial plaque honouring life of Barrow postman unveiled

Neighbours and colleagues have donated thousands to buy a bench and plaque in memory of Stuart Metcalfe who died last month.

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.

Cheryl and Stuart on their wedding day (Image: Newsquest)

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’.

CDL Garden Furniture took on the job of making and personalising the bench which is set to be delivered to Mendip Gardens within a week.

READ MORE: Barrow neighbours of Stuart Metcalfe fundraise for memorial bench

Stuart’s daughter Laura said: “It's absolutely lovely. My sister Stephanie and I are extremely overwhelmed with the continuing support from his forever neighbours and friends.

“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.

“It means the world to us; the kindness is just unmatched. It has been a very traumatic and sad time for us both, we have really struggled to come to terms with our loss.

“But the bench from his neighbours and the plaque from his work colleagues and friends that is placed in the Barrow AFC fan zone has touched our hearts in ways that no-one will understand.

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

“To know how loved and cherished he was brings us happiness. We will be forever grateful to the people who have supported us and showed us kindness, mainly to John, Toni and Sian for the bench and Wendy for always being there for us when we were little girls and now as women.

“And thank you to all who donated on the Go Fund Me page created by Sian so we could have the bench to remember our dad.”