A 90-YEAR-OLD donates more than £600 to a trust for saving his father's life during the First World War.

On Tuesday (November 13), Fordingbridge resident Bill Edwards presented a cheque with a value of £660 to The Gurkha Welfare Trust, to thank Gurkhas for taking Harold, Bill's father, to a field hospital after being shot in the leg during the war.

Bill asked for donations towards the cause for his 90th birthday (June 5) instead of presents, and is "absolutely thrilled" with the amount raised, adding: "You never know what the outcome will be with fundraising, but I feel in some way I have repaid [the trust], with regard to my father being saved in the war.

"I do appreciate the support - they [donors] have been so generous and I cannot thank them enough."

The message Bill presented to members of the trust read: “Thank you, thank you; For the loyal service you have given to this country, For over 200 years, And, my eternal thanks for saving my father’s life in WW1.”

The Gurkha Welfare Trust provides financial, community and medical aid to Gerkha veterans and the wider community in Nepal, as well as looking after retired Gurkhas and their families in the local area.

The presentation took place last week at Fordingbridge war memorial, and Bishnu Pun was "delighted" to receive the cheque from Bill on behalf of the trust, adding: "He has a few years on me, though I still struggled to keep up with him as he marched to the war memorial in Fordingbridge.

"It was an emotional moment and one I felt touched to be a part of. The money he has donated will help The Gurkha Welfare Trust continue to support brave Gurkha veterans and widows across Nepal.”

Bill added: "It was very emotional, when I did the ceremony I did stress it was an honour to be able to present the certificate. I feel I have given something back."