A FORMER paratrooper who hoped to become the oldest person in the world to go skydiving has celebrated turning 104 in hospital.

Thomas Hodgson marked the impressive milestone with staff at the West Cumberland Hospital while recovering from surgery after ‘smashing’ his hip in a fall.

He is now recuperating at his home in Cleator Moor but has been warned off doing another skydive, after completing a 14,000ft leap for his 100th birthday.

Mr Hodgson made national headlines in 2019 when he completed a skydive - 74 years after he had last fallen from the skies as a paratrooper in the army.

He raised thousands of pounds for charity and set himself a goal of completing another skydive when he turned 103 – equaling the world record for the oldest skydiver.

Mr Hodgson, who also recently had a knee replacement said: “I was up for doing another jump but I was warned off it. I think I’ll be resting for a little bit yet.”

Speaking about turning 104, he said: “I feel no different. The nurses were very good at Whitehaven. We had a good do at the hospital. All the great-grandchildren came down and we went to the restaurant. We had a lovely time.”

News and Star: Staff at West Cumberland Hospital helped Mr Hodgson celebrate his 104th birthdayStaff at West Cumberland Hospital helped Mr Hodgson celebrate his 104th birthday (Image: North Cumbria Integrated Care)

Staff on the Copeland Unit also made sure Mr Hodgson had a special day, with both staff and patients singing Happy Birthday and sharing cake.

Mr Hodgson was born in Rowrah and grew up in Moor Row. He joined the Royal Engineers in 1940 at the age of 19.

He worked on the railways and when the army asked for parachuting volunteers, he jumped at the chance.

After leaving the army, Mr Hodgson worked on the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, and was a chargehand locomotive driver at Sellafield for 12 years before he retired.

He only recently gave up driving and has just parted with his car.