Postmen help 'deliver' the Olympic Torch across Cornwall

The London 2012 flame was carried through the country by three of our postmen, who have all been recognised for their outstanding and significant contributions to society.

Rik Bennett, Roger Smitheram and Dave Hoskin all had the privilege of taking part in the Olympic Torch relay.

Rik, a postman for Perranporth, was nominated because of his charity work and motivational talks, helping military survivors and people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

“I got off the coach and just shouted ‘Come on Truro, make some noise!’ and the crowd went wild,” he said.

“I’ve never seen so many people in one place. It was just an amazing day and I got the crowd shouting as I ran down the hill.”

Hayle postman Roger Smitheram carried the torch as it passed through Newlyn. Roger has run marathons for charity in the past and started a running club that now has more than 200 members.

Roger explained: “My daughter Kirsty nominated me and it’s a great honour. I’ve always tried to help people around me – I live by the motto that you should treat people the way you’d like to be treated, as I believe in a positive attitude to life.”

Dave Hoskin, a postman in Bodmin, was nominated by his wife after helping raise money for charity and supporting local young people.
Dave said: “I’ve coached youth football teams for 20 years and a ladies team for eight years.

“Carrying the torch was emotional. The support from the community was amazing. I was very proud and was really privileged to have taken part in the relay.”