You’re always told it’s never too late, yet who believes it. Even now at the age of 16 I numerously find my self saying it’s too late. It’s one of those great excuses we begin to use, as we grow older. An excuse placed in fear of looking foolish or embarrassing ourselves, subsequently a fear of failure.

Countless times the old wise tale has been proven incorrect yet we continue to believe it.  Today that perception changed as I read the inspiring story of an O.A.P.

Before I tell the story I belief I should explain the term O.A.P. An O.A.P or old age pensioner is someone past the age of 65. In Britain this is retiring age. Once you reach this age you reap numerous benefits in order to provide care and support for you in your final years. These include free public transport, discounted prices, and of course the all important pension.

A pension is an amount of money given to a person, once they have reached retiring age, from the government or previous employer. The amount of money received is dependant on a person’s previous job or circumstances. This money is given to go towards the daily necessities: food, heating, bills, etc.

Usually we find in old age people like to go a little crazy spending the money on social events like bingo and those things they enjoy like: fish and chips, tea and scones and knitting equipment, but not Shirley.

Whilst many old people sit in nursing homes waiting to greet the gates of heaven Shirley is out practicing her favorite sport. Tennis. Waving good-bye to the ailments that come with old age she keeps fit at her local sports centre where she trains regularly.

“78 year old Shirley is an up and coming tennis star.” says BBC News.

This weekend she’s setting out to Turkey where she’s joining the super senior squad in the tennis world team championships. If this isn’t inspiring I don’t know what is.

Shirley shows the true spirit of Britain, fighting on until her dying days, proving to us as individuals that it’s never too late to achieve our goals. Lets hope that everything goes well for her this weekend!