Man, 91, retires from fundraising adventures

A fundraiser who challenged himself to try 90 new things before turning 90 has decided to take a step back, after completing his final fundraising event.

Malcolm Metcalf, from Gorleston in Norfolk, sold 700 old jigsaws for £916 at a sale to raise cash for hospice Priscilla Bacon Lodge.

Mr Metcalf, who had hoped to raise at least £500, said he was thrilled to almost double that figure after "swarms of people" attended the sale at Shrublands community centre.

"Over the past years I have enjoyed all my challenges and met and made many friends," said Mr Metcalf, who is approaching his 92nd birthday.

Asked what he would do with his time now, Mr Metcalf said "nothing", but said he would "probably" complete a couple of jigsaws and would keep active by walking.

An avid naturalist, Mr Metcalf has raised about £35,000 over recent years, mostly for local hospices.

His travels have seen him hitchhike overland to Australia, visit all 48 libraries in Norfolk, and use his free bus pass to get across England.

He has also met King Charles III when he opened Priscilla Bacon Lodge two years ago.

Mr Metcalf decided to support hospices through travel after spending a year in hospital as a teenager, after contracting tuberculosis in his spine.

His twin brother bought him a travel book to read and he thought "if I get better, I'm going to travel".

He added: "I learnt a lot from that book, and lying on that bed I learnt to appreciate things more.

"I've had a wonderful life."

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