January 8th 2024.
The real Alan Bates was left fighting back tears after being surprised with a dream holiday by Sir Richard Branson. His story is being brought to light with the release of the new four part ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
The drama has raised awareness of the subpostmaster’s fight for justice after 700 Post Office branch managers were accused of wrongdoing between 1999 and 2015 due to faulty accounting software. Dozens of innocent people were jailed for theft and fraud, while others were driven to bankruptcy and, tragically, suicide.
Alan has spent years tracking down others who were wrongly accused, and has taken the Post Office to the High Court. This caught the attention of Virgin founder, Sir Richard Branson, who wanted to do something special for the couple.
During Monday’s episode of This Morning, hosts Craig Doyle and Josie Gibson revealed they had been in touch with Sir Richard, and read out his response to Alan and his supportive wife Suzanne. Sir Richard offered them a well-earned holiday on Necker Island. Alan was visibly choked up as the note was read out, but his face lit up as his wife squeezed his arm with a huge smile.
The couple also found out they would be getting upper class return flights, as well as a Mediterranean cruise from Virgin Voyagers this summer. They were overwhelmed with the kind gesture from Sir Richard. Viewers were delighted by the kind gesture towards the couple and felt it was well deserved.
Toby Jones plays Alan in Mr Bates vs the Post Office, and Julie Hesmondhalgh plays his supportive wife Suzanne. With the increasing awareness of the subpostmaster’s plight, Alan and Suzanne are hopeful that justice will finally be served.
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