A YOUNG girl facing major heart surgery was given her "best day" by a convoy of posties who got together to deliver several parcels to put a smile on her face.
They donned fancy dress and drove to Ella Bale's house in 11 Royal Mail delivery vans to surprise her with the presents before she went into hospital.
Ella, 12, who has di George Syndrome, which causes heart problems among other symptoms, had been in lockdown for three months at home in Creech Heathfield.
Family friend Amanda Nicholls asked postie Evette Chapman if she could arrange for a colleague to drop off the parcels - but the convoy was organised after a number of postal workers said they wanted to take part.
Amanda said: "Having to stay in the house for so long has been hard going for Ella - she's only been able to wave out of the window at people at the end of the drive
"We started sending her things through the post most days and then I saw the posties dressing up as characters and thought it would be cool if I could get one of them to deliver a parcel in fancy dress.
"After I spoke to Evette, she said all her work colleagues wanted to get involved."
Ella, who also has cerebral palsy and chronic lung disease, and her mum Bex had no idea of what was planned on Friday afternoon before the youngster's dad, Martin, said: "There's a little surprise for you outside."
Ella couldn't contain her joy as the posties drove past honking their horns, before parking up and walking to Ella's drive with the presents - social distancing throughout.
"It was amazing and really emotional," said Amanda.
"The posties handed over the presents and had a little chat. Ella's favourite was Batman, who she described as 'sexy'.
"She said to her dad, 'I've had the best day. I loved it.' That made it all worthwhile."
Evette said: "There is no way we could say no to the request as all we want is to put smiles on people's faces and this little girl sounds like she needed it."
Ella, who attends Heathfield School, was not told about her heart operation until Sunday to avoid making her too anxious, and she has today (Monday) gone into Bristol Children's Hospital, where she will undergo surgery tomorrow.
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