Southport postman Ken Sykes with Red Rum. Ken was a postie in Southport for 46 years - delivering sacks of fanmail to Red Rum at his stables on Upper Aughton Road in Birkdale was one of his many tasks
The family of Southport postman Ken Sykes - who famously delivered sacks of fan mail to Red Rum's stables - has paid tributes to an 'amazing man' after he died yesterday.
The 82-year-old worked in Southport for over 46 years and well known in the area for his kindness and generosity.
His daughter, Debbie Moore says he was renowned for his kindness which made him so popular in the area.
"Everyone knew him because he went to all the old people's homes after he'd finished his rounds and get their shopping in, or help them with DIY.
"He would do absolutely anything he could to help anyone.
"He was so kind and gentle. I've never once known him to raise his voice or have a bad word to say about anybody. He was truly one of a kind."
Ken, who lived his whole live in Shaws Road, became a postman a postman at the age of 14, and carried on with the profession until his retirement 46 years later.
He famously delivered the post to Red Rum's stables on Upper Aughton Road in Birkdale and was pictured in the Newspaper at the time as 'Red Rum's postman.'
"Ken absolutely adored his grandchildren. He has 19 grandchildren and great grandchildren ranging from 22 months to 32 years. They'll always remember him as being mischievous and they all loved him just as much as he loved them".
"Their favourite thing to do was to stay over at their granddads," added Debbie.
Mr Sykes was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and lived the last 18 months of his life at Avalon Rest Home on Duke Street.
Despite his Alzheimer's, his family said he maintained his lovely nature for which he was famous.
"Even when he was suffering with Alzheimers he was such a lovely, well-natured man. A lot of people will remember him that way and if you ask anyone they will tell you. No one ever heard him raise his voice or say a bad word about anyone."