He's a skilful domino player and, when it comes to living a long life, Danny Daniel knocks spots off most of us.
Danny turned 100 on 9 July. The milestone earned him a card from The King, a visit from the Mayor and a knees-up in his honour at the Nubian Life Resource Centre, Shepherds Bush, where he blew out the candles on a celebration cake.
Born Horelio Daniel in Dominica in the West Indies, Danny was part of the Windrush generation who came to the UK in the 1960s.
He worked on the railways for 22 years, met his wife and had two children. He's also a grandad, with Zach – now nearly two – among the 40 guests at the party.
So, what's the secret to living a full century? "Respect," said Danny. "Respect others... respect everyone."
H&F Mayor Cllr Sharon Holder praised the centenarian's "kindness, wisdom and resilience" and formally presented him with a Windrush Medal, recognising his contribution to UK life.
"It's because of you that we have opportunities," she said, adding that she felt it took "absolute determination" to reach the age of 100.
Emotional
Jazz Browne, chief executive of Nubian Life, said: "It's quite an emotional moment for us; we take care of our seniors well here." She said that being chosen as one of the Mayor's charities was important.
"It's a chance to promote all charities working with older people across the borough," she said.
Another guest of honour was acting Dominican ambassador to the UK Janet Charles, who presented Danny with a signed letter of congratulation from Roosevelt Skerrit, the Dominican prime minister.
A lover of Caribbean food, calypso music and cricket, Danny – who lives just off Uxbridge Road in Shepherds Bush – still likes nothing better than a game of dominoes.
Aptly, the regulars at the Nubian Life Resource Centre had recently discussed the topic 'How can age bring valuable wisdom, perspectives and insights?' The answer could well be: Ask Danny.
