Malcolm Metcalf visits Sea Life centre in Great Yarmouth

Malcolm Metcalf, 89, visited the Sea Life centre in Great Yarmouth on Monday (April 10) to handle bugs and feed animals.

The Gorleston man was invited down to handle different bugs and critters, such as Giant African Millipedes and Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches in the centre’s new Rainforest Ranger area before feeding Noah the Giant Green Sea Turtle above their 250,000 litre ocean display.

Mr Metcalf said: “I have never visited the Sea Life Centre before but was very excited to take on the challenge of feeding the different animals.

"The team were very welcoming and enthusiastic about my 90 challenges.

Malcolm Metcalf visiting the Sea Life Centre, where he fed the animals as part of his 90 before 90 challenge. Photo: Sea Life Centre Great Yarmouth. (Image: Sea Life Centre Great Yarmouth)

READ MORE: Train-loving Malcolm returns from epic European odyssey

Mr Metcalf, one of the first people in the region to receive the coronavirus vaccine, still has five challenges left to complete before his 90th birthday on December 4 this year.

So far, he has guest-edited the EDP, ridden a horse and walked on Southwold Pier, painted a friend’s shed and took part in a litter pick on Gorleston beach.

His goal is to raise £10,000 for the Priscilla Bacon Hospice in Norfolk. 

Nathan Barnett, general manager at Sea Life in Great Yarmouth, said: “I first heard Malcolm’s story on the radio and was moved by the amazing work that he's been doing for one of our local charities.

"We would like to thank Malcolm for his dedication and enthusiasm and wish him all the best as he embarks on his remaining challenges.”

To support Mr Metcalf as he continues his 90 challenges, you can donate on his Just Giving page which can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/malcolms-tour-for-hospice

Mr Metcalf is also looking for more challenges and has asked anyone who may be able to help to email 43ironhorse@gmail.com