A KNUTSFORD postman who has been given three months to live is offering a heartfelt thanks to his ‘wonderful’ colleagues at Royal Mail for keeping him smiling and laughing during trying times.

Steve Litherland, 51, from Lower Peover, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in April 2013 but, after undergoing chemotherapy and surgery, he was given the all clear and returned to his beloved job at Royal Mail in March.

Sadly, the cancer returned, spreading to his liver, lining of the abdomen, bowel, stomach and his new bladder, an extremely rare occurrence. Then, two weeks ago, Steve was given the news by doctors that he only had three months to live –six months at most if chemotherapy is successful.

Steve told the Guardian he wanted to thank his colleagues at Royal Mail Sorting Office in Knutsford for all their support in what was the toughest time of his life.

Steve, who joined the Royal Mail team five years ago, said: “My friends at Royal Mail Knutsford were very supportive during some terrible times and although it was hard for me to deliver letters being so ill sometimes; my colleagues were always there for me, keeping me smiling and making me laugh during the early morning sorting of Knutsford’s letters before delivery.

“They always do that bit extra to help, they have been wonderful.”

Steve got a shock when two of his colleagues dropped by his Hulme Lane home recently – before departing they presented him with an envelope stuffed full of cash after doing a whip-round in the office.

“I was so humbled and blown away by it,” he said. “I want to let them know how grateful I am for their support, they are absolute stars. You could have knocked me over with a feather.”

Steve, who lives with his beloved Golden Labradors Amy and Rosie and his mum, is now taking it one day at a time and said he was grateful he can spend his last days in the village where his family have lived for generations.

“Amongst my last wishes now is to die at home in our lovely village of Lower Peover where I was born and have lived all my life,” he said. “Villagers and customers may not know how ill I am – they may have noticed me missing from my rounds - so this is my chance to say goodbye.”