#10. Finding purpose and adventure in your 80s with Commander David Hawksley, aged 100

On this episode I am joined by my grandfather, Commander David Hawksley OBE, born in August 1923. David joined the navy at 18 in 1942 and fought in the Second World War and continued to work in the navy until 1976. He then began a new career at BSI, British Standards Institution. On leaving BSI at 65, he became an international consultant for developing countries to help them develop their own standards institution. Whilst working in the navy David met his wife Sheila and they were married for 54 years. David became her full time carer in 2000 for the last 4 years of her life when Sheila passed away from emphysema in 2004. 

On this episode, we discuss how David managed to cope with the grief of losing his life partner and build a new sense of purpose through travel and volunteering. He booked his first solo travel experience at 82 to Peru and climbed Machu Picchu, and booked an around the world trip at 89. He has also volunteered for The Woodland Trust, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Christchurch Priory. This episode is inspiring for people of all ages, as we discuss how it is never too late to try something new, learn a new skill and build friendships and community around us.

This series is created in collaboration with The Campaign to End Loneliness. Currently in the UK there are over 9 million people experiencing loneliness and lacking the friendship and support that we all need. The Campaign to End Loneliness are experts in the field of loneliness and connection and are dedicated to sharing research, evidence and knowledge to make a difference to people’s lives.

To find out more about the Campaign to End Loneliness you can check out their website: https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org

Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EndLonelinessUK?s=20&t=mkgkZP_azjiF6R0G7CuSpg

Podcast Host - Fenella Hawksley

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Music - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octavia

https://www.athenaoctavia.com

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