A GUINNESS world-record breaking scuba diver from Wirral is the star of a new documentary.
Ray Woolley gained global attention when he spent his 94th birthday on August 28 last year diving to the sunken wreck of the Zenobia ferry in Larnaca.
It saw him claim a Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest scuba diver.
He dove to a depth of 38.1 metres for 41 minutes.
Now, he's the focus of a documentary- ‘Life begins at 90’ which will premiere at the 13th Cyprus International Film Festival this month highlighting his passion for diving and healthy approach to ageing.
Ray said that he is delighted with the film and is getting used to all of the attention he's garnering.
He added: "It's all come about by being active, that's how I’ve been noticed.
"The attention is rather nice at my age; I'm doing something that I enjoy and people see I'm doing something a little different from what’s ‘normal’
“If I can inspire just one person to get up out of their chair and do something, then that's great.”
Ray, originally from Port Sunlight, now lives in Limassol, Cyprus started swimming at his local swimming baths aged five.
In Cyprus he dives with the British sub aqua club- BSAC-at RAF Akrotiri and began diving with the Portland and Weymouth British Sub Aqua Club in 1960.
His claim for the title comes after completing 39 dives in his 93rd year – 39@93 – the final ones taking place at Latchi watersports in Paphos. However, he actually completed 51 dives in his 93rd year.
Ray carries his own equipment unaided and during warmer months he swims two or three times a day in his pool.
Ray is also a World War II veteran who served in the Royal Navy and ‘SBS Special Force 281’ in the Dodecanese. After the war, he trained as radio engineer and whilst working for the British foreign office was posted to Cyprus in 1964.
In December, he was also awarded the Cyprus Hearts of Gold Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to him by the British High Commissioner to Cyprus, Matthew Kidd, and Cypriot MP, Charalampous Theopemptou.
Ray has vowed to hold onto his Guinness World Record and will again dive to the Zenobia wreck later this year.
Daughter Lyn Armitage, who lives in the UK and also stars in the film, said: “I’m very proud of him, he really is an inspiration to so many people. He is a great example of healthy ageing".
Ray recently dived in Cyprus with son, Ken, 66. Between them they have more than 100 years of diving experience.
Ken, who is a member of the British Sub-Aqua Club Lowestoft branch said: "maybe scuba diving is the key to longevity."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here