Jack Reynolds, an adventure enthusiast with an unwavering zest for life, has died aged 108 on Saturday.
Most known for setting new world records on every birthday between the ages of 104 and 107, Mr. Reynolds was passionate about raising money for good causes and had planned to release a charity single for his birthday earlier this month before lockdown measures were introduced.
His daughter, Jayne Goodwin, has described her father as an “unbelievable man” and said:
“He has been my hero forever, and to know him was to love him. We all worshipped the ground he stood on, and our lives will never be the same without him.”
As news of his death became public, people who knew Mr. Reynolds have shared their sadness that he is no longer with them.
TV presenter and journalist, Susanna Reid, tweeted: “Jack was an inspiration. He remains a legend. Thank you, Jack, for being such a good friend of @gmb and @KatyRickittITV for sharing his story. RIP Jack Reynolds and huge love to your family.”
Jack was an inspiration. He remains a legend. Thank you Jack for being such a good friend of @gmb and @KatyRickittITV for sharing his story. RIP Jack Reynolds and huge love to your family. https://t.co/83PjkzlMHt
— Susanna Reid (@susannareid100) April 26, 2020
Fellow host Piers Morgan also paid tribute, saying: “He moved all of us, he inspired all of us, he was a great man. Jack raised thousands of pounds for charity. He celebrated his 108th birthday with a cake sent from all of us at Good Morning Britain. We send our very deepest condolences to all of Jack’s family.”
Mr. Reynolds broke four world records with Good Morning Britain including becoming the oldest person to get their first tattoo aged 104, riding a rollercoaster aged 105, riding a zip wire aged 106 and finally, becoming the oldest person to star in a soap aged 107 when he played a cameo role in Hollyoaks.
Ashgate Hospice Care, one of the charities that Mr. Reynolds supported over the years, said:
“On behalf of everyone at @Ashgate_Hospice, we want to express our sadness at the news of Jack Reynold’s death. Jack raised thousands of pounds for charities over the years and we can’t thank him enough for his incredible support. Our sincere condolences.”
Ahead of his 108th birthday, Mr. Reynolds did not slow down his fundraising efforts, despite his ill health, urging people to donate to St Helen’s Trust, a charity that provides support and care for those with a terminal illness who want to remain in their own home.
His daughter said: “My dad is now on end of life care and immobile. Helen’s Trust are a small charity but go the extra mile to help and are extremely supportive . . . getting to 108 is a challenge, and a few week’s ago, we didn’t think this would happen for dad – so to get to this stage is amazing. Please, please help my dad and I raise money for this worthy cause.”
The JustGiving page has so far raised £1,685, 936% of the £180 target set by Mr. Reynolds and his family.
Before he passed, Mr. Reynolds shared the secret to a long and happy life, saying: “Work hard, always smile, get plenty of fresh air and last but not least have a tot of Grouse whiskey in your tea in the morning and a tot before bed.”
