A great-grandfather who enjoys yoga, pilates and tai chi has been labelled Britain's oldest gym buff after celebrating his 100th birthday.
Sam Heggessey, who lives in Ickenham, even got a personal 'happy birthday' message from Sir Richard Branson at his gym, the recently refurbished Virgin Active Stockley Park.
Mr Heggessey, a retired accountant and great-grandfather of six, has been a member of the gym for 20 years.
Every week, he attends different yoga, tai chi and pilates classes with his wife Doris, 83.
During his working life, the gym fan says he would swim for one hour three times a week during his lunch break.
Mr and Mrs Heggessey are also keen walkers and spend Sunday afternoons taking walks together.
He even lets himself have a weekly treat.
"I eat three healthy meals a day which include cereal for breakfast, a hearty sandwich for lunch and a healthy dinner.
"I avoid red meat and alcohol – although I treat myself to half a glass of champagne each week," he said.
Staff at his gym threw Mr Heggessey a special party with a little help from his wife and a very special guest.
Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin group, sent a personal message to wish the 100-year-old a healthy and happy birthday all the way from Necker Island.
"I had no idea Virgin Active had the celebrations planned for me," Mr Heggessey said.
"Receiving the special message from Sir Richard Branson was rather unbelievable – I can’t wait to show my daughters and grandchildren."
Mrs Heggessey added: "The party was a wonderful surprise for him and it was so lovely to celebrate Sam’s birthday with our good friends and with the staff at Virgin Active whom we see so regularly.
"The message from Sir Richard Branson was an exceptionally special treat," she said.
The gym was decorated with one hundred red balloons and party-goers were treated to a three-tier Victoria sponge cake decorated with mini figurines of Mr Heggessey in his yoga and pilates poses.
Christopher Knightly, Operations Manager at Virgin Active Stockley Park said: "We’re honoured to have the UK’s oldest gym goer at our health club.
"Sam and Doris have been loyal members for many years and when we found out his birthday was this week, throwing him a special birthday party was the least we could do."
