BROMSGROVE couple Gordon and Leigh Blakeman have spoken of their shock after receiving a letter relating to Gordon’s death – even though he was alive.
The letter from a finance company relating to a personalised car number plate owned by Gordon.
It arrived last Tuesday – just two days after Gordon had come out of hospital and he has been off work due to his ill health.
The letter read: “To the executor of the late Gordon Blakeman.
“We are sorry to hear about the loss of Gordon Blakeman and extend our condolences to you at this difficult time.”
The letter then went on to detail the arrangements which needed to be made, relating to the account.
When the pair contacted the company concerned it said it had been notified of Gordon’s ‘passing’ by their bank NatWest.
Leigh said: “We couldn’t believe what we were reading – we thought it might be some practical joke but it was on the headed notepaper of a company we had used for years.
“When we phoned up to put the record straight we were told we would need proof Gordon was still alive.”
Leigh contacted the bank which has now looked into the case and found it was an accident from a member of staff who was assisting Gordon with a query.
A NatWest spokesperson said: “We sincerely apologise to our customers for this mistake, which happened as a result of human error.
“We completely understand that this caused them some distress, so we have apologised directly and offered compensation.”
