A war hero who has become familiar with staring death in the face is celebrating his 100th birthday. George Fox, who lives at home with his wife Kathleen in Stanley Street, west Hull, is a true fighter.
And just months before his 100th birthday he was "touch and go" after breaking his neck in a fall at his home.
George fell out of bed during the night in February and banged his head. After being taken to hospital, doctors decided George was too old to operate on.
He spent ten weeks in a neck brace unable to move and, after catching a chest infection, almost lost the will to live.
But in true fighting spirit, George bounced back in style.
"I was not going to be denied my 100th birthday," he said.
"I had come so close and I didn't want to be beaten on 99.
"I spent a long time in hospital and it was a horrible experience. But I got through thanks to the love of my family and wife, especially."
Based in India for much of the Second World War, George came close to dying again after suffering a severe case of malaria in the 1940s.
George fell unconscious for three days and collapsed on his return to duty.
Months later and George was hospitalised again after suffering from dysentery in Bombay.
George said: "I had some very close shaves in the war, that is for sure. But you just got your head down and got on with it. There wasn't much choice in the matter.
"I was proud to fight for my country. I was scared when I first got called up. But you had to learn fast."
Despite his near-misses, it is hard to believe George has lived for a century. People are shocked when they discover George's true age.
George's grandaughter Amanda Hultum said: "He is in great health and the family love him dearly.
"We are so proud of him."
George's advice on a healthy lifestyle is simple: Take a cod liver oil capsule once a day and stay happy.
He said: "I remember a friend of mine once telling me to take a cod liver oil capsule, so I did.
"I can't remember exactly when it was but I stopped smoking and began taking a capsule at the same time. It was one of the best things I ever did.
"Dodging a few bullets during the war helped as well!"
George and Kathleen met in 1946 before marrying a year later at Beverley Register Office. They celebrated their 67th anniversary at the start of this month.
They have four daughters, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
More than 100 people attended George's party on September 2 at Legends Bar, when George was presented with a This Is Your Life-style book.
"I had an absolutely brilliant time," said George.
"I am very lucky to have got to the age I have. I lost many friends during the war who were just as brave as me.
"My aim now is to get to 101."
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