A prediction that Whistling Postman Dale Howting would pass his target of raising £250,000 for charity has come true.

The crystal ball forecast was made to Dale by generous Sittingbourne businessman Gerry Cassell just six weeks before he died at the age of 70.

“I was peddling on my static bike inside the foyer of Homebase one Sunday collecting donations when Mr Cassell asked how I was getting on towards my target,” said Dale, of Goodnestone Road, Sittingbourne.

“I told him I was getting close and he confidently predicted that I would get there.”

He described Mr Cassell, who founded Sittingbourne’s recruitment agency, the New Appointments Group in Central Avenue, as a very generous man.

“He was a very down to earth character with a strong feeling for the community.

Now his son Andrew tells me he’s going to hand me a £350 cheque which will take me past my £250,000 target of money raised in 37 years of collecting.”

Dale said his milestone target will be marked at a community celebration planned on September 29 at the Bay Leaf Cafe in Roman Square, Sittingbourne.

Hundreds of charities have benefitted from Dale’s activities which was recognised in 1990 when he was awarded the British Empire Medal and later given the honour of carrying the Olympic Torch. When will he stop collecting?

“When I’m pulled upstairs,” said Dale. He will turn 80 on September 11. “The community and the Sittingbourne people have been very kind.”