HE’S A fundraising stalwart who has been awarded France’s highest honour for his efforts during the Second World War and raised more than £400,000 for charity.
But even at the age of 96, Tam Gilzean is determined to get to the £1 million mark.
A well known figure on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Tam can often be seen in his tartan trousers rattling his collection tin while urging passers-by and tourists to dig deep with his cry of “open up your hearts”.
Up until he broke a bone in his back following a fall last year he would be out collecting in all weathers only taking two days off a year.
He said: “The fall has knocked me but I’m getting my strength back and once the better weather returns I’ll be back out.”
Asked what he feels is the key to his longevity, he tapped his temple and said: “I’ve a good timekeeper up here.
“Everyday I learn something new, today I was watching a programme about the homeless problem on our streets and I love nature documentaries.
“I don’t smoke or drink either except at weddings. People have written me off many times but I am not dead yet and will continue to keep going.”
Tam served as a Royal Engineer during the war seeing action in both North Africa and Europe, and later in Burma. His lengthy list of war honours includes the 1939-45 Star, the Africa Star, the Burma Star, the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal, and the Victory Medal.
He also has a 30th Armoured Corps medal earned during Operation Market Garden, the battle made famous in the classic war movie A Bridge Too Far and which featured in the HBO TV series Band of Brothers.
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