Royal Mail apologise to Bainsford woman (72) their postman abandoned

A representative of Royal Mail visited Patricia Stewart at her home in Farm Street, Bainsford, to offer his apologies, just hours after the incident of the postman abandoning her had been captured on video and posted online.

Patricia’s family reacted with disbelief and disgust when they viewed footage.

Lying in the snow after slipping and hurting her head, Patricia was left alone after the postman failed to provide even a token gesture of assistance.

In the footage he looks down at her and can be heard saying “I can’t help you pal”, mentioning something about being “knackered” and then just walks away.

Royal Mail stated it would be investigating the incident.

A spokesperson said: “Royal Mail expect the highest standards of behaviour from our people while out on deliveries and collections at all times. We regularly remind our postmen and postwomen of the important role they play in their local communities.

"We were very sorry to learn about this incident, and for the distress this incident has caused. We are in touch with the customer concerned and will be investigating this incident.”

Sheryl Harkin’s, Pat’s niece, said: “When I was told about this I couldn’t believe it was true – I thought there must be some misunderstanding. The when I saw the video footage I was just disgusted.

"I can’t accept this – it's no way for someone to treat another human being.”

Luckily a Hermes delivery worker, Karolina Domska (22), was in the area and she provided the assistance the postman failed to deliver, staying with her and calling for help from Pat’s neighbours.

Sheryl said Pat was now recovering at home and had a nasty bump on her head from the fall.

"I was not due to come round to see her for another three hours, so she could have still been lying there if it wasn’t for the Hermes girl.”

Karolina popped back to Farm Street this afternoon to see if Pat was okay and received a hero’s welcome.