In the beginning, water came from a hand-pump and electricity from a temperamental generator. The only way they could finance the venture was by Jack continuing to work fulltime in his optical practice - a daily round trip of 70 miles. He got up at 6am each day and tumbled exhausted into bed at night, often having to get up again to deal with a calving in the small hours.

In 10 years the Orrells transformed the run-down farm (which they later learned had been condemned for bad husbandry by the War Agricultural Committee) into a model of efficiency with a TT tested herd of Ayrshires, a pioneering poultry business and a pedigree herd of Large White pigs. They were helped by their loyal farm workers and friends who gave expert advice.

Along the way, Jack was able to indulge his passion for fast cars (Sheila said she didn't mind so long as he didn't go in for fast women) and sailing boats - from small racing dinghies to sea-going cruisers. Now in their late 80s, and still full of energy, the couple live in a converted fisherman's cottage in a fairytale setting on the shore of the Menai Straits in Anglesey. They have only recently given up sailing...

From this photo of them taken on April 1st 2004 it is clear their enduring enthusiasm for their garden brings colourful rewards in Springtime. There are four ponds, one of which he dug out at the age of 80. Jack is in the process of re-arranging his workshop to dedicate more time to his woodwork, so that he can indulge his latest interest - making totem poles!

He went to Alsops High School in Liverpool, and enjoyed a happy but uneventful childhood. Life changed suddenly when his elder sister Eileen married. Her husband Ron, a 6 ft 'He-man' became his hero figure. He taught Jack so much - a knowledge of the countryside, fishing, shooting, and a love of motor bikes and then cars.

He trained him in the art of self-defence, and even tried to convince Jack's widowed mother that he had a future as a prize fighter. An uncle thought Jack should follow his example and become a dentist. This was abhorrent to Jack who wished to be a motor mechanic. Eventually a compromise was reached and he became an optician.

The most important thing Ron taught him was that whatever task you set yourself, it should be done to perfection. This is a practice to which he has adhered all his life.

Jack has decided that he wants to donate his royalties from the book to Cancer Research UK, which means that 10 per cent of the amount received by us from the sale of each book will be donated to Cancer Research UK Trading Ltd, which gives its taxable profits to Cancer Research UK. Cancer Research UK doesn't endorse any of the goods or services from which it receives royalties. Sue Williams, the local community fundraiser for the charity, attended the book launch at Beaumaris in June 19th 2004 and spoke during the formal speeches about its work. The book will be on sale from Cancer Research UK shops, stalls in hospitals and at local events in North Wales and Anglesey.

Cancer Research UK is a registered charity, Registered Charity Number 1089464. The Cancer Research UK logo is the resistered trade mark of the charity being used in publicity material about this book with their permission. The copying of the logo from this website is specifically prohibited.