An adventurous grandad has revealed the "secret" to a long and happy life.
John Davies is celebrating his 100th birthday today, but is "not your average" centenarian, his granddaughter Kaija Gosling said. Speaking to the ECHO previously, Kaija said her grandad joined her on a family holiday to Turkey over the summer and even enjoyed a surprise parasailing event.
Recalling the trip, Liverpool FC fan John, who was born in 1922, said: "We were sunbathing and watching them going back and forwards and my granddaughter suggested we do it. It was very good.
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"I really enjoyed it. I was a bit dubious at first, but once I was up there I quite enjoyed myself."
John looked back on his fond memories over the years and spoke to the ECHO about the secret to a long and happy life. He said: “It’s in your genes I think. My mother lived to an old age of 94 and brothers and sisters did. It’s your genes.”
However he added: "One or two gin and tonics of an evening certainly helps". His granddaughter Kaija added: "He enjoys a couple of gin and tonics. That’s what he tells me keeps the nasties away."
Happy birthday messages have come pouring in as ECHO reader Jean Parry said: "Congratulations on your 100 years. Enjoy your special day." Linda Sutton wrote: "Wow what amazing man you are Happy 100th birthday."
Sheila O'Hara added: "Happy 100th birthday young man. Enjoy your special day", as Joe Sparks said: "Looks fantastic for his age. Good on him."
Speaking fondly of her grandad, Kaija said: "I hope I'm still having adventures like he is if I ever make it to 100." But for John, he is determined not to let his age define him as he said the landmark celebration was "another day".
John met his "childhood sweetheart" Marjorie Davies at the Church Hall in Speke, when they were just 15 and 12-years-old. They pair married in 1945 - 11 days after the war - where they stayed together until 1992 when she died at the age of 66.
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