Charles reaches his 102nd birthday – thanks to his mother

Charles Hunter has just celebrated his 102nd birthday – and says it is all due to his mother’s genes. She celebrated her 103rd birthday,

Partying at Bield’s Liberton Park Court where he has lived for the last 27 years, Charles explained that his family have a habit of living for a long time: “I think I must have inherited my mother’s long life gene as she was 103 years old when she died.

“My mother’s sister from Australia also lived to the age of 100 and my great-grandfather who was a fisherman in the Shetlands lived until his mid-nineties.

“I had one brother and two sisters and one of my sisters reached 95 years old, so I definitely think it runs in the family.”

Charles was brought up in Edinburgh and attended South Morningside Primary School, Lorne Street and Burdiehouse before going on to George Heriot’s for his secondary education. He was in the Merchant Navy and the RAF, and was posted to Iraq and Yemen during WWII, attaining the rank of sergeant.

After the war he worked in the food industry as a warehouse manager, marrying Rachel his beloved wife in 1942. His sister Mina introduced them as she worked alongside Rachel in the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes. They shared the same birthday, but sadly Rachel passed away in 2012 when she was 97. Charles is a very proud grandfather to his eight grandchildren and great-grandchild, and he is expecting another great-grandchild in April.

Charles also believes that living a healthy and active lifestyle has helped him remain in good health.

He said: “I have always made a point of drinking lots of water and having a proper breakfast of porridge, eggs and toast.

“Before I was married my interests were mainly sporting ones, I enjoyed swimming, hockey, football, boxing and running was my favourite. Later in life I gained an interest in DIY and I used to bake a lot, so I have always been an active person.”

Fay Evans, development manager at Bield’s Liberton Park Court, said: “He’s such a lovely person. He enjoys going out and about, especially in the summer time and he absolutely adores his grandchildren.

“He’s always very cheery and his birthday party was absolutely fantastic.

“At Bield, there is nothing better than seeing our tenants live long and happy lives and to share experiences like these with them makes our job so worthwhile.

“I would like to wish Charles a very happy birthday.”