TELLS OF HIS 100 THRILL

sociation. He cut oil barrels in half and made a huge barbecue and that year they raised the most money they ever raised for the PTA fund.”

She went on: “If I ever needed something I’d phone my dad and he’d go into action like it was his mission. He was full of energy.

“He was very adventurous. We went camping a lot and would go on holidays to France and to Italy – we would always drive.

“He loved driving – he was a really good driver and has taken part in motorcycle competitions for most of his life.

“He was a salesman and he went all over the UK. He had company cars but he had to have one each year because he wore them out.

“He also ran the reunion every year for his Army regiment for 65 years.” Two years ago Tom was treated in hospital for a broken hip after a fall. Lucy says the care he received has been the motivation for his staggering fund-raising.

She said: “Visiting him in hospital, I really thought it was his last day on this planet. That was so hard.

“And look what he has done. Through grit and determination, he has slowly got himself into a position where he can walk.

“The help he got from the NHS at the time was his driving force behind him wanting to give back.” Tom, who lives with his other daughter Hannah near Bedford, shows no signs of slowing down as he approaches his 100th birthday this week.

Lucy said: “He was asked, ‘What do you say to people who believe older age is a time to sit back and relax?’

“He replied, ‘It is not a time to sit back and relax. It is a time to occupy your mind and your body. Sitting still will make you age more quickly.’

“My dad has taught me that you have to keep going.

“You have to have determination.”