A small Balham community has united in declaring their milkman of 16 years a “local hero” after beginning his tough battle with leukaemia.

Last week residents on Round 16 threw a huge party for Grant Ramsay, 60, who they said always looked out for them and once even saved a church from burning down.

Mr Ramsay gave up his round to undergo treatment, but customers missed him so much they arranged for notes to be attached every milk bottle inviting neighbours to send cards.

Kate Cheshire, 48, of Balham Park Road, said: “He is just the kindest man, and he has made us into a community. He looked out for everybody and put everybody before himself.

“We wanted to say thank you. To us, he’s a local hero.”

Mr Ramsay, who was born in the borough and now lives in Lucien Road in Tooting with his wife Linda, 59, was presented with more than 80 cards last Wednesday at St Mary’s Church in Balham.

The vicar was only too glad to host the celebrations, since Mr Ramsay had once spotted the church ablaze and called in the fire brigade.

Mr Ramsay has now set himself the task of writing back to every card - at a rate of 20 per day.

The much-loved milkman is undergoing a two-year treatment programme after discovering his illness at Christmas while giving blood.

He said: “I miss my round. When you talk to people, it’s so nice - I couldn’t be stuck in an office all day.

“I would like to thank my customers for all their loyalty and commitment over the years. The people of Balham have done me proud.”

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