Despite the weather, he planned to drive down the mountain for his daily swim at one of the narrow, rocky beaches.

Average daily swim: two miles.

Without a moment's hesitation the 77-year-old former miner, who kept fit by going for a daily swim, leapt out of his car and ran to her assistance.

Daily swims cover about 4km.

Here he would go for work and quiet contemplation, taking daily swims on the beach outside the house.