INSPIRATIONAL: Martin pictured last year raising funds with his 60 second press up challenge
A charity fundraiser whose generosity went viral on social media has been found dead.
Postman Martin Coley, 37, of Royal Drive, Fulwood, Preston, got involved with the Katy Holmes Trust after trying to deliver a parcel to Katy’s parents home in Penwortham.
A charity fundraiser whose generosity went viral on social media has been found dead.
Postman Martin Coley, 37, of Royal Drive, Fulwood, Preston, got involved with the Katy Holmes Trust after trying to deliver a parcel to Katy’s parents home in Penwortham.
As well as leaving a card at their address for the parcel, he donated £5 to the charity, which is dedicated to raising awareness of paediatric brain tumours and funds for research in memory of the 10-year-old.
So touched was her mum Paula, that she set up a Facebook campaign to find and publically thank him. After doing so - with the help of 1,000 followers - Martin threw himself into raising thousands for the charity, spearheading a 60 second press-up challenge at venues across Preston.
Paula said: “He was passionate about raising money and came up with lots of ideas. He threw himself into everything and did whatever he could. He was a father himself and said finding out about Katy had really touched him. He absolutely adored his partner and children, he was always talking about them and how proud he was of them.
“He was the most charitable, loving man you could wish to meet and we are deeply saddened by this news.”
Police confirmed officers were called to Riverside Road, Penwortham, at 7.15am on Monday, November 3, and found a man’s body. There are no suspicious circumstances and a file has been passed to Preston Coroner’s Court.
Stephen Butler, the delivery office manager in Preston, said: “Martin was a popular and respected member of the team at Royal Mail Preston and will be sadly missed by all his colleagues. He inspired us all with his great work in support of the Katy Holmes Trust and no one will forget the day that he got up to 100 staff and managers doing press ups on the office floor as part of this.”
