Alfie with Stanley - the parrot

In an act of pure kindness, a community came together to bring joy to a young boy who had recently lost his beloved pet parrot. Alfie Whitehouse, an 11-year-old from Sheerness, Kent, was devastated when his albino monk parakeet, Milly, passed away. To express his grief, Alfie wrote a heartfelt letter addressed to “Heaven” and posted it in the nearest postbox.

This is where our hero, Postman Billy Freshwater, steps in. As fate would have it, Billy came across Alfie’s letter during his regular collection round. Touched by the boy’s sorrow, he shared the letter with his colleagues, Samantha Marshall and Graham Benham. Together, they decided to share Alfie’s story on social media, hoping to gather support from the community.

Alfie meeting Stanley for the first time, with Graham Benham and Stephen Platt

Moved by Alfie’s story, Stephen Platt of Palliser Platt and Sons Funeral Directors reached out to offer the boy his late mother’s parrot, Stanley. To ensure Stanley felt at home, Mr. Platt even bought a new cage from the local pet shop, Cuddles and Bubbles, who graciously offered a discount upon hearing about the cause.

Alfie’s mother, Zoe Springate, expressed her family’s overwhelming gratitude for the generosity they received from their neighbors. While Alfie may not fully comprehend the reasons behind the gift, he is incredibly appreciative and spends quality time with Stanley each day. In fact, Alfie even reads bedtime stories to his feathered friend for an hour before sleep.

the sweet note

This heartwarming story serves as a reminder that kindness can bring solace during times of loss. The outpouring of support and the beautiful bond between Alfie and Stanley proves that even in the darkest of moments, there is still light and hope. The Whitehouse family wants to extend a massive thank you to everyone involved in making this incredible surprise happen.


Alfie’s father, Clinton Whitehouse, added, “We are overwhelmed by the kindness shown by every single person who contributed to this beautiful surprise. It goes beyond mere warmth – it is a testament to the incredible compassion that exists within our community. We are truly grateful.”

Indeed, this heartwarming tale serves as a reminder that even in the face of loss, kindness and empathy can heal the deepest wounds. The community’s support has brought solace to Alfie and reminded us all of the power of compassion. In a world that can often feel disheartening, stories like this bring hope and prove that there are still good people who go above and beyond for others.

Let’s celebrate the uplifting moments that remind us of the goodness in the world. Together, we can make a difference and spread hope to those who need it most.