99 year old Sidney raises £425 for charity

There's no denying the pride his family has for 99 year old Sidney Blake of Stocks Meadow.

More than 70 guests packed into Hooe Community Centre to mark his birthday on March 25 - a celebration which achieved no less than 425 for charity.

Sidney asked friends and family for donations rather than gifts he didn't need, and the proceeds will now be split between Cancer Research UK and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute.

He chose the latter because he worked in farms for most of his life and is even a past East Sussex champion ploughman.

His daughter Marjorie Sharp, of Coombe Shaw, said: "I thought for a 99 year old it is wonderful he raised this money for charity.

"He decided to ask for money instead of having presents, so when we sent out birthday invitations we asked for donations if people wanted to send them.

"We just never realised there would be so much coming in. But of course he is such a lovely old gent, and such a character."

Sidney has five children, 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and three great great-grandchildren.

He was born in Hampshire but has lived in Ninfield 35 years since he retired for farm work, having been based in farms in Ringmer and Hellingly. He received help from RABI which provided a chair lift when he experienced problems getting in and out of his flat.