This Postman’s Journey Across the Globe Will Leave You in Tears

In an age where emails and instant messaging have largely replaced the charm of handwritten letters, one man’s extraordinary journey is not only reviving the romance of snail mail but also championing a heartfelt cause. Meet Jonny Beardmore, affectionately known as the Galapagos Postman, who has embarked on a global odyssey to hand-deliver 50 postcards from a historic postbox in the Galapagos Islands.

But this isn’t just a whimsical adventure—it’s a mission with a profound purpose: to raise awareness and funds for motor neurone disease (MND), a debilitating condition that hits close to home for Mr. Beardmore.


A journey inspired by love and loss

Jonny Beardmore’s quest began in March, inspired by his late father, Eric, who bravely battled MND for over eight years before passing away in 2022. MND, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological condition that gradually weakens muscles, leading to paralysis and, ultimately, death.


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Jonny Beardmore’s quest began in March, inspired by his late father, Eric, who bravely battled MND for over eight years before passing away in 2022. Image source: @bigoadventures on Instagram


Beardmore’s journey is not only a tribute to his father but also a call to action to support those living with MND and the charities that aid them, including MND Queensland.

A global odyssey

The Galapagos Postman’s route has been nothing short of epic, spanning continents from Central and South America to North America, Canada, Europe, the UK, and Asia. With 40 postcards already delivered, Beardmore’s recent stop in Brisbane, Australia, marked his 41st delivery.



The recipient, a man named Simon, shared a poignant connection with Beardmore’s cause—Simon’s sister had run an MND organisation in Ireland during the 1960s.

This serendipitous encounter underscores the power of Beardmore’s journey, which is as much about the people he meets as the postcards he delivers.


Keeping a 230-year-old tradition alive

His travels are a continuation of a tradition that dates back to 1793, when British Captain James Colnett established a postbox on Isla Floreana in the Galapagos. Sailors would leave letters in a wooden barrel, hoping that passers-by would carry them to their intended destinations.


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Continuing a legacy that began in 1793, Jonny Beardmore honours the tradition of sailors leaving letters in the Galapagos postbox. Image source: @bigoadventures on Instagram


Today, travellers still leave messages in the barrel, relying on modern-day adventurers like Beardmore to fulfil their delivery.

How you can be part of it

As Beardmore prepares to continue his journey to New Zealand and then through Africa before concluding in London next March, we at the Seniors Discount Club invite you to be part of this noble cause.

You can:
But let’s take it a step further. Why not revive the tradition of handwritten letters within our own community? Take a moment to pen a note to a friend or family member. Perhaps you could even leave a postcard at a local café for a stranger to find and deliver.

In doing so, we not only keep the spirit of personal connection alive but also honour the essence of Beardmore’s mission.


Key Takeaways

  • Jonny Beardmore, known as the Galapagos Postman, is on a mission to hand-deliver 50 postcards from the Galapagos Islands to raise awareness and funds for motor neurone disease (MND).
  • The tradition of leaving and delivering letters at a historic postbox in the Galapagos started in 1793 and continues with travellers today.
  • Beardmore’s journey has taken him across multiple continents, and he has delivered 40 of his 50 postcards so far.
  • After delivering a postcard to a Brisbane family, Beardmore’s next destinations include New Zealand, Africa, and London, where he will complete his journey next March.


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Jonny Beardmore’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make. Image source: @bigoadventures on Instagram


We’d love to hear what you think about this touching story. Have you ever been surprised by a letter or postcard that brought a little extra joy to your day? Or perhaps you’ve had a personal experience with MND that you’d like to share. Feel free to join the conversation in the comments—we’re here to listen and connect.
 
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