Centenarian Buster Martin was ‘over the moon yesterday' yesterday when news reached him that his bookie William Hill had agreed to pay out, after he ran this year's London Marathon for charity.
Two bets were placed on the 101 year old, who still works as a van washer for Pimlico Plumbers, the proceeds of which Buster promised to donate to children's charity the Rhys Daniels Trust, if he finished the gruelling 26.2 mile course on April 13.
So when Buster crossed the finish line in 10 hours things were looking good for the charity, which provides accommodation close to hospitals for families of seriously ill youngsters.
Initially William Hill held back on paying the £13,300 winnings to the charity, after Buster, a French orphan spirited into Britain in 1906 aged 3 months, was unable to produce his birth certificate.
But now the bookie has agreed to present the Rhys Daniels Trust with a cheque for £13,300.
Buster whose passport and a certificate of naturalization, both give his date of birth as September 1 1906, said: "I'm over the moon that the Rhys Daniels Trust are going to get the money, after all it was always about helping the children.
"I've been betting on the horses at William Hill for years, so I was a bit upset about the whole situation, but I never really doubted that they would pay out in the end.
Buster, who is celebrating his 102nd with big party at work on September 1, added: I'd love William Hill to come over so I could shake their hand and say thank you very much on my birthday."
And from Italy where he is getting married, an overjoyed Barry Daniels, founder of the trust, said the news was the best wedding present he could have hoped for.
He added: "I'm thrilled! This is wonderful news for The Rhys Daniels Trust. We never doubted Buster for a second, but thanks to William Hill for coughing up"
Charlie Mullins, managing director of Pimlico Plumbers who has employed Buster since he was a mere lad of 97, added: "This is great news for everybody. I am just so glad for the Rhys Daniels Trust, and for Buster, that this has all been sorted out.
"I've always believed in Buster, and now, thanks to a bit of common sense the charity is set to receive an extra boost, once the French authorities track down his birth certificate."
The two wagers, placed on April 7 at William Hill's Strutton Ground shop, were for Buster to finish the marathon in less than 12 hours (£100 at 100/1); and that he would cross the finishing line before midnight (£100 at 33/1).