There has been an outpouring of love following the death of a man dubbed 'Liverpool's favourite milkman.'
Tommy Callagher, who has died at the age of 78, was well known for his long-running milk rounds in the city centre - and for his tireless charity work.
After we reported on his death earlier today, many more people have come forward to share their tributes and memories of Tommy - who was also well known for his voluntary work at Broadgreen Hospital, including on the hospital's radio station.
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Responding to our article today, Graham Swann said: "RIP Tommy. Did a charity bike ride with him when at Merseybus. A great man and greatly missed."
Gillian Howard said: "Aww, he was the DJ on Broadgreen hospital radio, always came round the wards to take requests of patients, he will be sadly missed."
Paul Ryan said Tommy 'always had a laugh and a joke', while Mark Whitehead said 'he had a smile to make even the coldest hearts feel wanted.'
Tommy, who was born in Bootle, but lived in Walton, started volunteering when he was just 11 and continued throughout his life.
He is believed to have raised as much as £750,000 for good causes, including for the British Heart Foundation, whom he worked closely with for 25 years.
In 2003 Tommy was voted Milkman Of The Year and he also attracted media attention during the Queen's Golden Jubilee year by painting his milk float gold.
Tommy, who worked for Express Dairies during his time as a milkman, and was based at the Toxteth depot, died earlier this month and his family have paid tribute to him in a notice in today's Liverpool Echo.
Do you have memories you would like to share of Tommy? Leave your tributes in the comments section below
The notice says: "Thomas Wiliam Callagher (Tommy the Milkman) passed away peacefully at home with his loving family, aged 78.
"Much loved husband, dad and grandad. Our happy little family is missing a piece and will never be the same."
The tribute was shared by Tommy's loving family, including his wife Christine, daughter Annmarie, son in law Dave and Tommy's grandson and 'best mate' Ralphie.
Tommy was also well known as a volunteer at Broadgreen Hospital, where he visited patients and took song requests for his popular shows on Radio Broadgreen.
Paying tribute following his death, Radio Broadgreen said: "Tommy was the face of Radio Broadgreen to everyone within the hospital itself throughout his time with us. He was the life and soul of our request show and helped fundraise thousands of pounds for the station as well as the British Heart Foundation.
"Tommy will be dearly missed by everyone at LHBS/Radio Broadgreen and we send out our deepest sympathies to all of his family and friends at this exceptionally sad time."
Hayley Gough, Corporate & Community Manager for the British Heart Foundation, for whom Tommy raised so much money, said: “Tommy was the most wonderful volunteer for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) for over 30 years. He organised thousands of events including supermarket collections, bike rides, abseils and charity nights all raising funds for life saving research.
"Tommy’s enthusiasm for making a difference was contagious and his genuine kindness knew no limits. He worked incredibly hard, securing collections across Liverpool which he carried out with his fantastic group. Tommy knew almost every supermarket charity co-ordinator personally and they all loved having him in store.
"Through his work at Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Tommy supported hundreds of heart patients during the toughest of times.
"Tommy and his group raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the BHF’s vital research into heart and circulatory diseases, and for that we are forever grateful. Tommy will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
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