'I call it money for old rope' RAF veteran, 102, to abseil for charity

When Colin Bell finally retired as a valuer about three years ago, it was because "I decided I had paid the chancellor of the exchequer enough money in tax", he says. And given he was pushing 100 at the time, few could argue with that.

- Esther Addley

Taxes are far from Bell's only contribution to the nation, however. As Flt Lt Bell he was a Mosquito bomber pilot during the second world war, flying 50 bombing raids over Germany, an experience he describes modestly as "a bit hairy".

Now 102, Bell has embarked on another remarkable feat: a fundraising challenge including three days of walking between places that were significant to his wartime service in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk. On Thursday he will also abseil 17 storeys down the side of the Royal London hospital, from Europe's highest elevated helipad.