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.

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.

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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.

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:

• Follow the Galapagos Postman’s progress,
• Share his story to raise awareness
• Contribute to MND charities in his honour.

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.

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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.

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.

 

[Ezzy]

A great story of a person on a mission.
My only question is, 'Who pays for his travels & accommodation?'

 

[holidaysforall]

I once had an incredibly good friend who died of MND, we were friends for over 40 years. We would go on holidays with our husbands together and children. I have been Aunty to her children all their lives, and now one of the girls has a little boy whom we look after for her one day a week. Both her girls carry the gene of MND, luckily her little boy does not carry the gene. I would go over to my friend's place every week and help her or in the end just sit with her as she could not move or speak. Watching my friend go through this debilitating illness was so sad as she had to be feed, showered, toileted as there was nothing, she could do for herself. Having journeyed with her for those all those years leaves me with wonderful memories we shared together, though sad memories of what she had to endure those last few years of her life. It was hard to know the sadness she went through knowing she was leaving her two beautiful daughters behind. Hopefully one day they will find a cure.

 

[Luckyus]

Years ago there used to be something similar on Pitcairn Island ( I say used to be because I haven't stopped at the island for more year than I care to remember) People used to send mail and postcards to Pitcairn just for the mail franking. We as far as I know, other than the supply ship from NZ that used to visit the Island was British ships that used to drop off staples that couldn't be grown on the Island. When arrived we would drift and the locals would come out to our boat and pick-up and drop off the mail. At the time no visitors were allowed on the Island.

 

[marni]

Our cruise ship (princess) anchored off Pitcairn Island. Picked up mail and delivered goods. They seemed to need a lot of alcohol . We also were able to purchase crafts made on the island.

 

[Luckyus]

We used to supply Rice, Sugar and spuds, for their crafts we used the barter system of used clothing if we knew we would be calling at the island.