News

The Royal Hospital celebrated a rather special birthday today and welcomed the Revd Richard Coles to join in with the party atmosphere.  

As he reaches the ripe old age of 100, former World War II commando George Parsons, who recieved a birthday card from HM The Queen today, reflects on his long life and shares his tips for active ageing.

I like to live life to the full. I’ve been through two world wars, I’ve travelled the world – I’ve lived an interesting life. My childhood was pretty tough – we were all very poor. But it was good training I suppose.

I always liked a challenge. When I was in action, I’d get a sense of exhilaration rather than being scared. As a commando I had to stay fit. I’d always get worried if I wasn’t as fit as I could be! I loved cross-country running and things like that. I packed in the gym recently but I still get out and about on my mobility scooter – I can anywhere on that scooter! 

“I’m greedy – I want to do it all!”

It’s important to keep your mind active too. I was always an avid reader and I still try to keep up with the news. I’ve got a great love for opera and ballet, which I think is the greatest art form. Otherwise, I’ve just tried to live an interesting life. I look for anything and everything to enjoy.

I like to be doing things, to see big events and participate in them. I keep myself busy here. We do singing, which I enjoy and I like the animals – the Battersea dogs come to visit and when they were hatching ducklings in the Infirmary I’d got to the hatching station – I fell in love with my ducks! And I get companionship here too. Every day left now is for my own enjoyment. What I’d really like to do next is a tandem parachute jump. I’m greedy – I want to do it all!