Dedicated Barrow postman and Barrow AFC supporter Stuart Metcalfe dies

Heartfelt tributes have flooded in for Stuart Metcalfe who has tragically died at the age of 57.

Stuart was husband to Cheryl, dad to Laura and Stephanie, step-dad to Laura, Becky, Adam and Sophie and grandad to Imogen, Awais and Polly

A devoted postman of 25 years, Stuart was known for delivering mail across Barrow and Dalton during his decades of service.

He was also known for his life-long support of the Bluebirds which he shared with his wife of five years Cheryl.

The couple were season-ticket holders and went to every home game, and tried to make the away matches when they could.

“If he had a Saturday off, the first thing he would do would go to a football match,” Cheryl said.

“He’s been a supporter his whole life – it meant a lot to him.”

Cheryl and Stuart on their wedding day (Image: Newsquest)

Stuart was also a keen fisherman and enjoyed playing darts in his spare time.

Since news of his sudden death, the family has been inundated with kind words about Stuart and the hole he will leave behind.

“Stuart knew thousands of people so I wasn’t surprised so many people paid tribute,” Cheryl said.

“Because he was a postman, he knew everybody.

“Stuart absolutely loved his job. He was quite a sociable person so loved meeting all the people.

“He was such a lovely guy – he always had time for me and his family.

“People come up to me and say ‘we know Stuart – he’s a lovely person’.

“His passing has been a huge shock to me and his daughters. He was a big family man.

“He’ll leave a big hole in all our lives.”

Stuart’s two daughters, Laura and Stephanie, described their late father as the ‘most loving and supportive dad’.

“We have so many wonderful memories,” they said.

“He took us fishing and took his eldest daughter Laura to the watch Barrow from the age of two and they grew up to be both extremely passionate about Barrow AFC.

“He spent his days working hard as a postie, coming home and helping us with our homework. He loved his Saturdays and Sundays, we would put on some punk music have a dance, get our pyjamas on, order a kebab or Chinese and watch Royale Family or Only Fools and Horses.

Stephanie and Laura with their dad (Image: Newsquest)

“Or he would sit all night on his computer playing crib and shouting because he lost every time. He used to take us to the Royal British Legion for a game of darts with his friends, and the family nights.

“He was a feisty character with a heart of gold, he would do anything for anyone.

“There's so much we could say about him, but there wouldn't be enough time or paper.

“But we will make sure we make him proud every day.

“He will be greatly missed and we have lost half of us the day he died.

“We held his hand whilst he passed away, he wasn't alone and he felt like he is still with us. We love you dad. Forever and always, your two girls Laura and Steph.”

Stuart with his two children Laura and Stephanie (Image: Newsquest)