A DEDICATED volunteer has no plans to hang up his collection tin as he approaches his own diamond jubilee.
Jack Parker, 89, began collecting for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution 57 years ago and has now become a familiar figure on his patch, near his home in Timperley Gardens, Redhill.
Having collected about £11,000 during that time, the former butcher says he is determined to hit his 60th anniversary with the charity before even considering his future.
"I still enjoy doing it," he told the Mirror.
"It is interesting knocking on doors, meeting new people, sometimes making new friends – I even get a kiss sometimes.
"Some of the people on my route have become friends now; they come to the door and say 'Jack the lifeboat man is here'. I enjoy doing it. When I can't get about any more then I will stop, but I don't feel old in myself."
After serving in the Royal Navy for five years at the end of the Second World War, Mr Parker ended up volunteering for the charity by chance, after they asked for collectors at a service at the Holy Trinity Church, in Carlton Road, Redhill. Since then he has been knocking on doors collecting donations in roads such as Dennis Close, Fulbourne Close and Coleman Way.
The great-grandfather of nine, who used to take his children on the routes with him, says his enthusiasm for the charity and the people he meets has not waned, despite some unusual reactions when he knocks.
"You get all sorts of funny things," he said.
"A little girl came to the door of one house I called at. I asked if her mummy was home. She said 'sorry she isn't'. Then, as I turned to go, she turned back inside and said 'mummy, did I say it right?'
"Fortunately most people think it's a good cause, but I try to have a sense of humour and make them smile."
Jack's happy demeanour has made him a popular member of the charity, but Gary Bell, the RNLI South East chairman, says the charity needs more volunteers like Mr Parker.
"He is called 'Mr Lifeboat', everyone knows him," he told the Mirror:
"It is absolutely vital that we get more people like Jack. It is a shame, but it's very difficult to get people to do what he does."
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. It provides, on call, a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service and a seasonal lifeguard service.
To volunteer for the charity, call Mr Bell on 01737 243523.
