Arthur Basstoe

My Dad is constantly an inspiration to me and others that know him. During last winter he hiked daily to the nearest shop (3 miles away) with his rucksack, through 4 feet of snow to help his elderly neighbour as well his own shopping. He also cleared driveways and paths 8 times for neighbours, he was also looking after my step mum who is not able to walk far any more and needs help daily - all this whilst having prostate cancer himself. 30 years ago he nursed my late mum who died of cancer. He encouraged me to take up swimming recently, to ease the constant pain I am in through arthritis of the spine, telling me 'If you stop - you will never get started again' his motto for life! My Dad was brought up in the East End of London and used to run in 800 metre races, belonging to his local Athletic Club Eton Manor - it is now the site of the New Olympic Stadium. He also used to run a leg in the Great London to Southend Relay Race every year. More recently he won a mini Marathon. Dad is a caring, loving and a lively character who has made friends around the world with his other hobby of rambling, he can also be seen playing the odd round of golf, or pushing his wife's wheelchair around Edinburgh or Alnwick shops. Did I mention that he is 80 years old and has eight great grandchildren. When I asked him about this nomination he said 'It would be the proudest moment of my life so far'