A PETERSFIELD man has been presented with an award for 40 years of fundraising for the British Red Cross.
Marcus Newton (64) is a trained Red Cross first aider, and as well as providing medical cover at events, he has spent the last four decades raising money for the organisation.
During those years, Marcus of Barham Road has done seven sponsored parachute jumps, climbed the O2 arena in London, and abseiled down high buildings, to raise money for the Red Cross.
He has also held street collections in the town in all weathers, and is one of the Petersfield Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal team.
Marcus, who is also a member of Petersfield Salvation Army, said: “It’s an honour to given this award. I have enjoyed the fundraising, especially the parachute jumps, but now sadly they say I’m to old to do anymore.”
Over the years, he has also been invited to garden parties hosted by The Queen at Buckingham Palace three times, and presented with long service and good conduct awards by the Red Cross.
Marcus, who is also an avid collector of Red Cross memorabilia and uniforms, said: “I don’t know how much I have raised in the past 40 years, but it must be tens of thousands of pounds.
"I want to carry on raising money for as long as I can, into my nineties hopefully, even if I end up in a wheelchair I will continue.”