90 before 90 challenger named Community Hero

Our Fosters Solicitors Community Hero for the Norwich City fixture against Middlesbrough is Malcolm Metcalf, who has been nominated by BBC Radio Norfolk.

In January, Malcolm, 89, set himself the task of completing 90 challenges before reaching the age of 90, in aid of Priscilla Bacon Hospice.

Born in Gorleston, Norfolk, Malcolm’s dedicated support for hospitals and hospices started back in 1953, after he was diagnosed with TB in his spine and was confined to lying on his back on a plaster bed for over a year.

During his recovery and after his twin brother gave him a book on travel, Malcolm vowed that he would see the world as soon as he was better, which he more than achieved in a trip that saw him visit 58 countries over the years, starting in 1969.

His earlier life also saw him travel all around England on just his bus pass, covering 33 counties in 29 days. Malcolm was able to raise £20,000 for the East Coast Hospice in doing so.

The ‘90 before 90’ challenges helped Malcolm to continue “enjoying life to the full”, as he had been doing all his life.

Some of his many challenges have included, riding a horse for the first time, judging a dog show, visiting Sizewell Nuclear Power Station, feeding a giant turtle at the Sea Life Centre in Great Yarmouth, sheering a sheep, ringing the bells in Righborough Church and even flying a four-seater plane.

He said: “Nothing ever worries me. I’ve always had luck on my side.

“I couldn’t have done it on my own, people have been enthusiastic and gone out of their way to help.”

A host of local media outlets have been hugely interested in his challenge, with two of his challenges including being a guest editor of the Eastern Daily Press and hosting his own two-hour show on BBC Radio Norfolk.

Malcolm was able to surpass the 90 mark when he travelled around Norfolk in 15 modes of transport, including a tractor, a police car and Elvis Presley’s original Cadillac.

The Community Hero decided to extend his challenges to 100, with his 99th challenge a book signing at the Maids Head Hotel and his 100th challenge being our Community Hero for City’s fixture against Middlesbrough.

To support Malcom, his Just Giving link can be found here.

Since 2019, Fosters Solicitors have joined our primary partners Norwich City Football Club in highlighting the great work of local individuals and organisations in our community. Every month during the football season, a ‘Community Hero’ is chosen for a selected matchday – providing an opportunity to showcase that person(s), or initiatives, selfless work or important community campaign.

Do you know someone who deserves special recognition, or does something wonderful for their local community? If so, we’d love to hear your nomination for a future game, which can be put forward via the club’s website.