Posted on: 13 July 2020
CNWL Older Adult Community Mental Health Team Worker Jacqueline James is a very proud granddaughter.
Her grandfather, Kenneth Essex – a former Royal Marines war veteran and musician – has decided to emulate the exploits of Captain Tom Moore who raised money for NHS Charities Together in the run up to his 100th birthday.
Kenneth, from Muswell Hill, will turn 100 on 20 July and to mark this plans to walk 1km a day from 10 July to raise money for Moorfields Eye Charity, which is supporting research into macular degeneration at Moorfields Eye Hospital.
So far he has raised nearly £10,000.
On his JustGiving page he writes: “During my six years' service in the second world war, I was posted to two ships, HMS Euryalus and HMS Belfast.
“On being demobbed, I joined the musical profession, and had a career as a viola player for almost 60 years. During that time I played in the string quartets that did the music for "Fawlty Towers" and the backing for Sir Paul McCartney's "Yesterday".
“I also did 32 years in the group playing the incidental music for "Last of the Summer Wine" and played a viola solo in the title music of the film "The French Lieutenant's Woman". I am, at present, having treatment for macular degeneration in both eyes at Moorfields, thanks to our splendid NHS.
“The treatment I have received has been exceptional, especially at this difficult time. I would like to do something for Moorfields and intend, starting on 10th July, to walk 2 x 500m a day for 10 days, finishing the day before my 100th birthday.”
Jackie, who works for the Westminster Older Adult Community Mental Health Team at Vauxhall Bridge Road, says this has brought a new-found routine back into his life and has improved his fitness since practising for the past two months.
“My mother and I lived with him and my grandmother until I was eight so we have always been very close with him.
“He told me he feels like a new man with a new purpose that he can focus on. He used to go out every day so this has been really inspirational for him.
“After my grandmother died suddenly in January – she had been in a care home and he’d been visiting her every other day – he lost his routine and then lockdown happened. After reading about Capt Tom Moore’s exploits he decided to do it, particularly because he was so overjoyed at the way Moorfields has been caring for him.
“He just wanted to help them, so he’s been practising for the past two months to make sure he can actually do the final walk.”
“His mobility and circulation have improved greatly and he’s lost a few pounds too!”
“He’s just so amazing and has had such an interesting life. I would love to be in the health he’s in when I reach his age. For somebody of that age, he is still able to do everything for himself. He’s never needed a carer and his memory is incredible. He remembers names and dates of almost every person he’s met or done a session with. He is a true inspiration!”
Kenneth's page is on this link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Kenneth-Essex?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=Kenneth-Essex&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=d392359c993f4ac29f221d8ba689a347