Ingatestone postal duo make delivery of a lifetime to Kosovo

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Ingatestone postal duo make the delivery of a lifetime to Kosovo

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TWO postmen made the delivery of a lifetime when they took a lorry-load of aid to Kosovo.

Dennis Sweeting and Steve Biggs, who both work out of Ingatestone post office, spent four days driving their truck to the poverty-stricken country.

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They had gathered four and a half tonnes of food and warm clothes to help the children and families get through the harsh winter.

Mr Sweeting, of High Street, Ingatestone, was inspired to get involved by his neighbour Charles Storer, who set up the Hope and Aid Direct charity.

"We spent six days visiting different camps and villages in Kosovo and it was a real eye-opener," Mr Sweeting said.

"Until you see it for yourself, you cannot believe there is poverty of that level.

"Sometimes we think we have got it bad in this country – how wrong we are.

"The stories people tell about their lives are just harrowing.

"We visited one lady in a village who invited us into her home.

"She told us how she had watched all four of her children be executed in front of her.

"Despite that horror, she is getting on with her life."

The pair were part of an eight-strong lorry convoy which travelled to Kosovo from the UK.

Having previously vowed this was a one-off trip, the pair are already planning a return visit in 2014.

Mr Sweeting said: "The children out there have absolutely nothing. We saw a group kicking around a deflated football as that's all they had.

"They don't know any different, so seemed really happy.

"When we opened our lorry and gave them brand new balls, it was like Father Christmas had just turned up.

"They were over the moon and so polite – they expect nothing.

"It was superb and we will definitely return."