Sir David Jason forced to make 'reluctant' decision due to 'grave consequences'
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Sir David Jason, the beloved star of Only Fools and Horses, has revealed that he's had to give up a cherished hobby due to physical discomfort. The 85 year old actor, who earned his helicopter pilot wings in 2005, was often seen soaring through the skies in his Robinson R44.
However, as he shared in his memoir, This Time Next Year, he recently had to say goodbye to his helicopter "with extreme reluctance," as reported by the Express.
In his book, he explained: "The fact is, you need your hips, legs and knees to be in pretty tip-top condition for helicopter flying. Also your arms and shoulders. It's rather like playing a drum kit in that regard, although the consequences of getting out of time during the second verse are quite a bit graver."
He continued: "I realised I was getting increasingly uncomfortable up there in the air. Having to push the physical part of the task was taking some of the joy out of it.
"Clearly it was time to step away while I was still capable of stepping," reports the Mirror.
Reflecting on this significant change, David expressed his sadness, saying: "Flying that helicopter was a big part of my life. It was a lot of fun, obviously, but also just the most satisfying accomplishment."
In a frank conversation with the Sunday Times, David discussed how his hip replacement surgery in 2023 greatly affected his mobility. He also acknowledged the inevitable effects of ageing, admitting: "My memory isn't what it used to be."
David reflected on the ageing process: "Most of us reach this point when things aren't quite as bright as they used to be."
Nonetheless, he retains a positive outlook, noting: "Mind you, I don't wear a hearing aid, I don't wear glasses, and I've only had to replace one bit of my body (a hip replacement), so I'm not doing too bad."
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