Good Morning Britain viewers have all been left saying the same thing about a 103-year-old World War Two veteran who features on the New Years Honours list.
Colin Bell, a Second World War mosquito pilot, who will receive British Empire medal this year for his charitable endeavours, is the oldest to receive an honour this year.
The RAF Veteran, previously won the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) – a gallantry award – for his work with the 608 Squadron where he survived 50 raids over Germany.
‘I flew 50 times over Germany and they didn’t like me very much,’ he told Good Morning Britain.
During his interview, the former Pathfinder pilot cheeky and light-heartened nature shone through, with the 103-year-old quipping that the award was ‘very good for the family CV’.
When asked by presenters Richard Madeley and Charlotte Hawkins how he has managed to retain his youthful appearance he said it was ‘a matter of luck’.
Explaining how he is often asked about his regime, he quipped: ‘I have always said its a matter of exercise, alcohol and the love of good women – with the odd bad one thrown in.’
However it wasn’t only the broadcasters who were astonished by his young looks, as viewers were in awe of veteran with several assuming several different watchers assuming he was in his 60s, 80s and 50s based off appearance alone.
Colin Bell, a former flight lieutenant, is the oldest person on the New Years Honours list (pictured)
The 103-year-old is being honoured with the British Empire Medal for his charitable efforts
The RAF Veteran (pictured), previously won the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) – a gallantry award – for his work with the 608 Squadron where he survived 50 raids over Germany
Singing one former flight Lt. praises one wrote : ‘He’s 103? He looks amazing,’ while another astonished viewer said: ‘Bloody Nora , he looks AMAZING for 103 year old!’
‘103? Incredible. I could have listened to him all day,’ a third wrote, while another chimed in: ‘He doesn’t look a day over 75! What a gent.’
‘Now he is an example of someone who so richly deserves a BEM. How good does he look for 103,’ one beamed.
When queried how he felt on his most recent accomplishment, Mr Bell said he has been left astonished.
‘I’m quite amazed when I was first notified by the cabinet office a fortnight ago I was quite bowled over I don’t see myself in that category at all.’ he added.
Mr Bell also said it wasn’t a challenge to keep the award under raps having worked both in the civil service and RAF.
‘I am their representation in a vague way all those people who support those worthwhile charities,’ he said: ‘It just shows how long you have to live to get an honour.’
However in a recent interview with Good Morning Britain, the 103-year-old shocked the show’s presenters with his youthful looks
‘I flew 50 times over Germany and they didn’t like me very much,’ he told Good Morning Britain (pictured: Colin Bell in his youth)
Viewers were also blown away by his youthful appearance, singing the veteran’s praises following the interview
On September 14, 2023, the former Lieutenant became the ‘oldest ever participant in an abseil’, after plunging 280ft down the side of the Royal London Hospital.
The charitable veteran took on the goliath task in a bid to raise much-needed cash for the London Air Ambulance Charity.
Charity staff, volunteers, supporters as well as a Guinness World Record judicator watched Mr Bell make his way from the helipad down the side of the hospital, raising £7,854.
The thrill-seeking challenge was the third carried out by Colin that year alone.
He had previously raised funds for the ambulance charity as well as the RAF Benevolent Fund and the RCN Foundation.
At the time, Colin said: ‘I may be 102 years old, but I still want to do my bit to raise much-needed funding for three amazing charities.’
Chief Executive of London’s Air Ambulance Charity, Jonathan Jenkins, said: ‘It is a tremendous feat to complete our helipad abseil, many congratulations to Colin.
‘The money Colin – and the other fundraisers – will raise in the abseil will play a vital role in ensuring that London’s Air Ambulance’s advanced trauma team can continue to save lives in London.
Mr Bell became the ‘oldest ever participant in an abseil’ in 2023, after plunging 280ft down the side of the Royal London Hospital, raising £7,854 in the process (pictured with Ross Kemp)
He also previously warned the government to ensure Britain had ‘adequate defence’ earlier this year amid spending cuts
‘We are so thankful for their commitment and support.’
Earlier this year, the veteran gave a stark warning to the government, urging them to ensure Britain had ‘adequate defence’ adding that he hoped lessons were ‘being learnt’.
‘Unfortunately this is something I think your everyday Briton has rather lost sight of,’ he told the Express.
‘I remember the warnings given by Sir Winston Churchill that people were disregarding.
‘Believe it or not until 1938 the British government were trying to persuade other people in Europe to disarm, while Germany was arming up to the teeth. How stupid can you get?’
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