Back in the 1970s, there was one man who definitely had the busiest job in Southport – Red Rum’s postman.
Popular Southport postie Ken Sykes had the busy job of delivering sacks of fanmail and gifts to the world’s most popular racehorse.
Red Rum lived in stables on Upper Aughton Road in Birkdale and famously ran along the sands and in the surf at Southport Beach and Birkdale Beach.
Ken Sykes – known locally as ‘Red Rum’s postman’ – was a regular visitor to see Rummie.
He worked in Southport for over 46 years and was very well known in the area for his kindness and generosity.
Ken died in 2015 aged 82 years old.
Shortly after his death Mr Sykes’ daughter, Debbie Moore, said he was renowned for his consideration for other people which made him so popular in the area.
She said: “Everyone knew him because he went to all the old people’s homes after he’d finished his rounds and would get their shopping in, or he would help them with DIY.
“He would do absolutely anything he could to help anyone.
“He was so kind and gentle. He was truly one of a kind.”
Ken, who lived his whole life in Shaws Road in Birkdale, became 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 Southport Visiter 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 grandad’s,” added Debbie.
“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.”
Red Rum with Ginger McCain receive the freedom of Southport Sands in recognition of their achievements in promoting Southport 1978
This week’s Grand National at Aintree Racecourse will see millions of people around the world celebrating 50 years since the first historic victory by Red Rum.
Rummie won the first of three historic Grand National races in 1973.
The bane of bookies’ lives, especially in his home town of Southport, Red Rum went on to enjoy further victories in 1974 and 1977, and finished second in 1975 and 1976.
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