Family pay tribute to Sleaford postman who died of cancer

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Family pay tribute to Sleaford postman who died of cancer linked to asbestos

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The family of a Sleaford postman who has died from a form of cancer linked to asbestos have paid tribute to an "inspirational man".

Alan Morley, 64, died at home on Saturday, July 12 after being diagnosed with mesothelioma in March.

The condition is a rare form of cancer which affects the lining of the lungs and is frequently linked with exposure to asbestos.

During his 37 years as a postman, Alan worked on rounds in Great Hale, Little Hale and Helpringham before spending the last two years on the Sleaford town centre round.

Alan's daughter, Hannah Parsons, 25, said: "People felt like they'd known him for years even if they'd just met him."

But she said that her father's illness came on suddenly.

"He had been poorly since October last year, but he wasn't diagnosed until March this year," she said.

"He was such a healthy man before that. He didn't suffer with any childhood illnesses.

"He just wanted to be here with his family for as long as possible. He didn't mind what procedures he went through if it meant getting more time with us."

After his diagnosis, he moved in with Hannah and her husband James.

Hannah said: "We were with him 24/7. To have been around someone with so much courage and bravery was an absolute inspiration."

Alan's sister, Gill Hubbard, said: "He loved his job.

"His love was people and they loved him. He would always go out of his way to help people."

Gill said Alan knew a woman on one of his rounds who could not put her eye drops in, and said he would always go round and help her with them.

Alan's family have no idea how he came into contact with the asbestos which could have caused the mesothelioma, but have expressed their gratitude to the staff at Millview Medical Centre in Sleaford.

A devoted Lincoln City season ticket holder, Alan regularly took family members to football matches with him.

Gill said: "He's left a massive hole that can never be filled. We are all heartbroken.

"We owe it to Alan to find answers to this illness and work towards a cure."

Ken Garner, a Royal Mail delivery manager, said: "He will be sorely missed by his colleagues and our deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends at this sad time."

His funeral takes place today (Wednesday, July 23) at St Botolph's Church in Quarrington. Mourners have been asked to wear a red item and the family have asked that in place of flowers, donations be made to the Mesothelioma UK Charitable Trust.

His son, Chris Morley, who worked with him for 13 years as a postman, said Alan "showed him the ropes."