A SUPERMARKET deliveryman has brought isolated residents to tears of joy by arriving with their groceries dressed as a superhero.

Ian Williams from Eastbourne started delivering orders dressed as Superman to cheer up customers amid the coronavirus crisis.

The 50-year-old Asda home shopping driver said: “There are two reasons I did it. One was to keep myself motivated and the other was to cause a bit of distraction to customers, as most people I deliver to are self-isolating or vulnerable and they can feel a bit down.

“I saw I was brightening their day by doing something so simple, so I’ve kept doing it.”

The Argus:

Ian, who works for the Asda Eastbourne store in Pevensey Bay Road, said the reaction has been “unbelievable”, with people asking for autographs and children waiting at their windows to see him.

He said: “The other day I was delivering into a cul-de-sac and a group of girls were doing a keep fit routine in the middle of the road.

“They all stopped and started cheering and clapping me and started asking for selfies - at a distance of course.

“There’s also a little girl I regularly deliver to who was waiting dressed as Supergirl. It’s such an amazing spirit across our communities.

“I’ve had a number of customers who’ve been in tears when I’ve turned up.”

Ian, who taught himself how to walk and talk again after suffering a stroke in 2011, said he is positive about the future.

The Argus:

He believes it is important that all key workers are recognised for their heroics during the crisis.

Ian said: “It’s not just about me, we’re all pulling together to ensure we’re continuing to feed the nation.

“I’ve got a lot of friends on the frontline in the NHS and what they’re doing can’t be compared.

“But no matter where I go in my van I’m getting applauded which makes it all worthwhile.”

Stefan Waring, store manager at Asda Eastbourne, said: “We are so proud of all our colleagues for working incredibly hard to keep people fed.

"A big well done to Ian for what he’s doing, delivering with personality and putting smiles on customers faces. Not all heroes wear capes – but this one does.”

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund