Award for Ballymena Postie who raised more than smiles during lockdown

Local celebrity postie, Geoffrey Aiken, was recognised this week in the ‘Spirit of NI COVID-19 Hero Awards’ for his fundraising efforts during the lockdown. The highly-esteemed Broughshane man raised a brilliant £3,175 in total.

Geoffrey presents a cheque for £3,175 to Janice Colgan from the Ballymena Foodbank

The awards are a joint venture between the Ulster Bank and Sunday Life, replacing this years ‘Spirit of NI’ awards ceremony, which was cancelled.

During the lockdown Geoffrey decided to raise funds for his local foodbank in a Ballymena, that was under much pressure and demand from families in need at the peak of the coronavirus crisis.

Every week Geoffrey dressed up in different costumes as he completed his postie rounds, and also help organise efforts to collect food donations.

Geoffrey speaking to Love Ballymena, said: “I only found out a few days ago that I had been nominated by someone on my run which was nice, but I'm a wee bit embarrassed too, as I definitely don't fit into the "hero" category. I was only having a bit of craic while I raised smiles and donations as a bonus”.

Well done Geoff! You are a true community hero.

Geoffrey as Scooby Doo during his postal rounds