Campaigning postie's award nomination (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Campaigning postie's award nomination

10:29am Thursday 1st March 2007 in Swindon By Gazette Reporter

A postman who warns students about the risks involved in binge drinking has been nominated for a Royal Mail award.

Clive Loveday is one of only eight people in the south west to make the shortlist for the First Class People awards.

The 50-year-old, from Old Town, visits Swindon colleges to explain how his son Matthew died from alcohol poisoning.

Clive, who was nominated with two others in the community category, has won £100 and could be picked by judges to attend a national ceremony next month.

He said: "I'm really pleased that the work I do has been recognised, because it's an important message to get across.

"The Royal Mail has supported me brilliantly since Matthew's death, when I needed time off and with my teaching now.

"I'm really pleased that the work I do has been recognised, because it's an important message to get across."

Clive Loveday

advertisement "They were very kind and it is encouraging for the future."

Clive recently visited Churchfields School to tell students how his 19-year-old son Matthew died at a New Year's Eve party.

He tells groups the harrowing story of how Matthew passed out after drinking most of a bottle of ouzo, the Greek aniseed liquor.

Clive said: "It was by far the largest event we have done, I spoke to about 65 people during a series of talks."

He is helped by his friend Steve Blakeman.

Between them they have told hundreds of young people how dangerous excess alcohol can be.

Clive said: "Steve is extremely important in this process because he helps answer questions and knows most of the details.

"We both tell people that it's not a case of giving up alcohol, it's about moderating it.

"Most people enjoy a drink or two, me included, but for these young people they are just starting to go to parties.

"It is now, when they are not aware of their limits, that accidents can happen so we try to offer them our advice.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Royal Mail for their nomination and thank everybody at the Hawksworth delivery office for their support."

At his Churchfields visit Clive introduced an anonymous feedback form, so that students could say what they felt.

One said: "I have learned many things from Clive's talk, mainly about drinking alcohol, which damages your brain and its effects."

Another said: "Yes I have learned it can affect anyone and you can get drawn into drinking without even realising it."

If Royal Mail judges pick Clive in the community category he will go to the national final on March 26.

The regional winners will receive a £500 cheque and if he wins Clive will receive a luxury holiday.