An Evri driver who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer is “blown away” by a fundraiser set up for her.
More than £2,500 has been donated by the Barming community for mum-of-four Lynn Russ.
Lynn Russ with her husband Peter, who passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Picture: Cheryl Adams
The 65-year-old from Shepway told her family the news two days before Christmas.
Three weeks prior, she had found a lump in her breast and went to her GP.
On New Year’s Eve, Lynn was rushed to Tunbridge Wells Hospital for an emergency MRI. It turns out the cancer had spread to the bones in her back and neck.
She began radiotherapy and returned home on Tuesday (January 7).
Doctors have told her she will be in a neck brace for the next three months and sadly won’t be able to continue her daily deliveries.
Her family already know the devastating effects cancer can have.
Lynn’s husband, Peter, passed away in March 2021 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
They had been married for 34 years. He was 74.
Daughter Cheryl Adams says her mum is “so strong” and has “just got on with it” following the news.
“You could see when she told us just how scared she was,” the 25-year-old explained. “I think we all had the same reaction because we have just lost Dad and now she has it.
25-year-old Cheryl says her mum is “her lifeline”. Picture: Cheryl Adams
“We are all in shock – I’m still slightly in denial. She’s my lifeline, I would be nothing without her.
“But she’s absolutely smashing it and hasn’t complained once.”
For the last decade, Lynn has been delivering packages to the residents of Barming. Most days she would get to the depot at 2.30am and clock off at around 8 or 9pm.
Cheryl added: “She was doing very long hours, especially for her age.
“She had a lot of back, neck and leg pain. People were concerned last year after seeing her struggle to get in and out of her car.
Lynn surrounded by her family. She has four children and now 11 grandchildren. Picture: Cheryl Adams
“Even through all that, she was still hobbling along and taking painkillers to make sure she could get everyone’s parcels to them.”
After recently stopping her rounds due to health complications, many residents questioned where Lynn was.
Cheryl posted a message on a local Facebook group, explaining the situation. It was met with dozens of heartwarming comments.
Michelle Humphrey, who lives in Longsole Way on the Orchard Fields estate, created a GoFundMe page last Friday (January 3).
She has had Lynn as her courier for around eight years and says she is “simply the best”.
Michelle Humphrey, from Barming, decided to set up a GoFundMe page. Picture: Michelle Humphrey
“Lynn to a lot of us has become more than just a lady who delivers parcels, she is a big part of our community and has become a friend to many,” the 44-year-old explained.
“Someone to chat to on the doorstep, wave to as she goes by. Nothing is ever too much trouble.”
“Lynn, you genuinely are one of life’s bright little stars and I am so sorry to hear of your health news,” she added.
“An unsung community hero who we have been incredibly lucky to have as our courier.
“Always with a cheery wave as you drive around, going above and beyond with the deliveries come rain or shine.
“My mum doesn’t even know what to say, she is just blown away by the response.”
“I will miss our little doorstep chats lovely lady and wish you strength and hope for the days and weeks ahead.”
If you’d like to contribute, please click here.
At the time of writing, it has raised just over £2,500 of its £3,500 target.
“I couldn’t get over it, honestly,” Cheryl added. “My mum doesn’t even know what to say, she is just blown away by the response.
“She cried when she found out. She’s even had donations from residents that she hasn’t delivered to in four or five years.”
Lynn is set to spend the money renovating her front porch, which has become dilapidated over the years. The rest will be put towards a relaxing spa day.