Tribute plan for postmistress

Antoinette Taylor, known as Toni, died on March 14 at the age of 51, after losing her battle against bladder cancer.

She was postmistress of Walmersley Post Office for 10 years, and continued in her role even after she was told her cancer was terminal.

The post office has been closed since her death.

She was tremendously liked by her customers, who say they determined to raise £1,000 for a bench, which would be placed in Hartley Gardens, off Palatine Drive, Bury.

Mr Robin Fitton, aged 78, of Springside Road, Walmersley, said: “She was very well known and worked very hard and the people of Walmersley appreciated her and we still miss her now.

“The post office is the hub of the village and Toni was very much a people person.

“She was always cheerful and she was everybody’s friend.

“We thought the bench was the most appropriate way to celebrate the life of someone so brave and giving.”

Mrs Taylor grew up in South Manchester and moved into a flat above Walmersley Post Office in 2001, when she bought the branch.

She leaves five children and four grandchildren.

Her son, Noel Taylor, aged 34, of Albert Street, Bury, said: “I was overwhelmed when I found out about the plans for a bench. It brought a tear to my eye.

“The post office was my mother’s life. She enjoyed the community aspect of it, meeting her customers and talking with the posties too.

“Even when she got ill, she carried on, except for when she was in so much pain that she couldn’t work. But then she would get straight back to it.”

He added: “She loved spending time with her family in Ireland and I think that is where we’re going to scatter her ashes.

“She also raised money for Marie Curie Cancer Care and Cancer Research UK by doing a bungee jump in Walmersley and a zip wire slide in Manchester.”

Donations can be made towards the cost of the bench at Howards Insurance Brokers in Walmersley Old Road, Walmersley. For more details: call 0161 763 9291.