Jane Elliott BBC News Online health staff

Roscoe Poad has raised thousands to fight cancer

For Roscoe is 90 this year and, unlike many other nonagenarians, he is not only fit and agile, but walking miles each day.

He even gets a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest abseiler at the age of 88.

In the last 15 years Roscoe has raised more than �27,000 for various charities, including more than �15,500 for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Volunteer

He started volunteering and fundraising when he retired in 1978 and, although none of his family or close friends had suffered from cancer, he decided to pick Macmillan as one of his main charities.

He organises street collections and a Songs of Praise each year as well as an annual 12-mile walk.

It gives me a purpose to keep going Roscoe Poad

He also gives talks about the history of the grocery trade, which he worked in, as well as hosting a Macmillan world's biggest coffee morning each September.

This November, he is celebrating his 90th birthday with an Open House, when he will be encouraging his guests to give donations to Macmillan.

Despite his remarkable achievements, Roscoe is very modest about his achievements.

Age, he says, should never be a bar.

"Age is a question of mind over matter. So if you don't mind it doesn't matter.

"People are always saying to me 'what keeps you going?'.

"And when I went abseiling they said I must be barmy."

But Roscoe said his love of charity work gave him a reason to keep living.

"It gives me a purpose to keep going."

Local Macmillan fundraising manager Claire Wilson said Roscoe had been a tireless worker for their cause.

"Roscoe has been one of the most loyal supporters I ever could have wished for and has raised over �15,000 for our St. Austell committee over the years."

Volunteers

This week volunteers like Roscoe are to be honoured by Macmillan Cancer Relief's volunteer week.

The week, 1-7 June, has been dedicated to the volunteers who raise cash and give up their time to help people with cancer.