G Adventures employee Jen Watson experienced an unexpected delivery when Jonny Beardmore arrived at her home in Kilmarnock, Scotland, with a postcard she had mailed months earlier from the Galápagos Islands.
- Watson was surprised by the personal delivery, as her busy schedule often keeps her away from home.
- The unique delivery method was part of Beardmore’s initiative to raise awareness and funds for motor neurone disease (MND) charities.
- Beardmore has dedicated a year to travelling globally to deliver 50 hand-written postcards, inspired by his father’s battle with MND.
- Watson recalls her visit to the Galápagos Islands as a remarkable experience, emphasising the uniqueness of its wildlife.
G Adventures employee Jen Watson received a surprise at her home in Kilmarnock, Scotland, when traveller Jonny Beardmore delivered a postcard she had sent from the Galápagos Islands months earlier. This unusual delivery was part of Beardmore’s ambitious project, aiming to hand-deliver 50 postcards to recipients worldwide while raising awareness and funds for motor neurone disease (MND) charities, inspired by his father’s death from MND.
Beardmore’s visit to Watson marked the halfway point of his year-long journey. Originating from New Zealand, Beardmore had been travelling across the globe, fulfilling his mission of delivering these postcards. The project not only aims to reconnect people in a personal manner but also serves as a unique way to gather support for MND causes.
Watson expressed her astonishment at the delivery, noting the rarity of her being at home due to her frequent travels for work. She recounted the event, explaining that she had just returned from St Andrews when her partner, Michael Higgins, informed her of the visitor’s arrival. This led to an impromptu meeting, where they offered Beardmore a whisky and later dined together at The Park Hotel, Kilmarnock.
The postcard journey sheds light on broader themes of human connectivity and global awareness. Watson, reflecting on her trip to the Galápagos, described it as “absolutely worth it,” highlighting the extraordinary wildlife and natural beauty of the location, which left a lasting impact on her. The postcard she had sent included a note of her enjoyment and a reminder to return, embodying the personal connections Beardmore’s project seeks to foster.
Prior to her role at G Adventures, Watson had extensive experience in the travel industry, working with companies such as Hays Travel and Travel 2. Her career spans 19 years, during which she has been involved in various global travel experiences. Watson encouraged others to follow Beardmore’s journey through his Instagram account, @bigoadventures, where he documents his travels as the ‘Galápagos Postman’. The initiative highlights the unique blend of travel and charitable cause, inspiring individual engagement and support.
Jen Watson’s story illustrates the remarkable interplay between travel, personal connection, and charitable endeavors, highlighting how even the simplest gestures can bridge continents and impact lives.