He has visited 58 countries and 43 American states, hitchhiked across land to Australia, travelled 200,000 miles on Amtrak trains, and gone all around England on his bus pass.
But never before has Malcolm Metcalf, in his almost 90 years, been a guest editor at an award-winning regional newspaper.
Until now.
Mr Metcalf, of Gorleston, was recently welcomed into the Eastern Daily Press (EDP) office as part of his ‘90 before 90’ challenge to raise money for the Priscilla Bacon Hospicecharity.
Raising funds for others in need is a passion of Mr Metcalf’s who has already raised tens of thousands of pounds to date – and has no intention of slowing down.
“I’ve had a wonderful life,” he said.
“I am never bored, I like to keep busy, and I do sleep really well when my head hits the pillow at night.”
His inspiration
It was the gift of a world travel book from his identical twin brother, Trevor, who died five years ago, that first ignited his love of travelling.
Nicknamed the 'Michael Palin of Gorleston', Mr Metcalf was aged 19 when a serious illness kept him confined to bed for more than a year.
Diagnosed with tuberculosis of the spine, he was unable to leave his bed and would read the book everyday. This is when he made up his mind that when he recovered, he would see the world.
Mr Metcalf has previously written a book about his travels entitled 'My Adventurous Life'.
It includes details about leaving England during the 1970s to hitch-hike overland to Australia with only £250 to his name.
He was also one of the first people in the region to receive the coronavirus vaccine at the aged of 87.
The challenge ahead
Now, Mr Metcalf is taking on his most ambitious challenge.
Over the next year, until his 90th birthday on December 4, he has set himself the task of doing 90 activities and experiences that he has never done before.
So far, he has ridden a horse, walked on Southwold Pier, painted a friend’s shed, and took part in a litter pick on Gorleston beach.
Next up on his wish list is to ride a Harley Davidson motorcycle, visit Sizewell Power Stations, meet a Norfolk stonemason, and eat an afternoon tea inside The Randolph Hotel in Oxford, to name just a few.
He said: “I also intend to give 10 afternoon tea talks, which I will give for free to any clubs and societies in Norfolk, preferably on or near a bus route.
“The talk will feature some of my many travels and adventures around the world, including my epic hitch-hiking adventure overland to Australia.
“Also, my 200,000-mile riding the Iron Horse across America on the Amtrak railway.
“My only request would be a collection for the new Priscilla Bacon Hospice, which would be appreciated.”
Guest editor for the day
During his visit to the EDP in Norwich on Wednesday, March 8, he also ticked another handful of “never befores” off his lift.
He attended crucial meetings and met editor, Richard Porritt, made a TikTok video, visited the newspapers archives and found the front page from his birth date in 1933, and had a tour of Prospect House.
He added: “This hospice is desperately needed for the area.
“I really want to play my part in helping to raise the final amount to complete the project as soon as possible.”
- Mr Metcalf is looking for more experiences and has asked anyone who may be able to help to email 43ironhorse@gmail.com.
- Visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/malcolms-tour-for-hospice to donate towards Mr Metcalf's £10,000 target.
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