A POSTMAN has retired after 36 years to help look after his granddaughter, who is suffering from leukaemia.

Trevor Russell has stepped down as postman in Hurworth, near Darlington, to assist his son and daughter-inlaw, Andrew and Kirsten Russell, in taking three-yearold Lucie to Newcastle for her chemotherapy treatment.

Mr Russell, 61, has held several events, including a disco and a coffee morning, to raise hundreds of pounds for the children’s cancer ward at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, where Lucie is being treated.

The youngster was diagnosed with the disease in March. She has been receiving chemotherapy and is about to undergo an intensive course.

Mr Russell said: “I will be using my spare time to ferry Lucie up and down to Newcastle for treatment, or to go and sit with her for a couple of hours during the day and give her mum a break.

“When Lucie was diagnosed, we were absolutely devastated. It is the worst thing that has ever happened to us. We have now got our heads round it. You have to just get on with it. The family has really pulled together and rallied round.

“It has been good to speak to other parents and grandparents going through the same thing. You think you are the only ones.”

Lucie was diagnosed after complaining of aches and pains in her legs.

“My wife had her one morning and she couldn’t walk. They took her to the hospital and they did a blood test,” said Mr Russell.

He also praised the hospital staff. “The nursing staff are so good with her,” he said. “They make her feel at home.”

Mr Russell said that although he would miss his job, he had lots of happy memories.

“About ten years ago, I used to deliver the post to Alpha Radio. The DJ asked me to come into the studio and tell a joke live on air.

“After that, every morning I had to go in and tell a joke. It was called Trevor’s Ticklers.”

Mr Russell, who lives in Darlington, added: “Lucie has been brilliant. She is doing well with her treatment.

“She is a really brave little girl.”