Ron Pell is the oldest attendee of the Rich River Physiotherapy and Acupuncture Clinic’s hydrotherapy classes for DVA veterans and recently celebrated his 99th birthday with the group.
Mr Pell was a Lancaster bomber navigator and engineer during World War II and is the last remaining WWII veteran to attend the classes.
Along with veterans from other wars, Ron has been attending the group for 27 years and credits his workouts in the pool with keeping him active and engaged.
Rich River Physiotherapy and Acupuncture Clinic staff helped Mr Pell celebrate his birthday on Wednesday, March 27 by holding a morning tea for him and his fellow veterans after class.
The clinic’s principal physio Kay Knight is really proud of the group and finds that the members love coming along.
“It is a non-weight-bearing exercise class and they love it,” she said.
“Some of the participants, including Ron, have been in the class since it started 27 years ago.
“There are veterans as well from the Korean and Vietnam wars.
“They love the socialisation aspect of the group, have coffee together and keep an eye out for each other.”