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Camden News - by SIMON WROE
Published: 12 February 2009

Simon Lapp with Rose Bush Court scheme manager Fatima Williams

Survivor supreme: Simon at 100

HE has survived Nazi imprisonment and, in civilian life, the trials and tribulations of the stockmarket.
But Belsize Park pensioner Simon Lapp always felt he would live to 100.
The Lithuanian-born centenarian celebrated his landmark birthday with champagne and cake at his home in Rose Bush Court, Park Hill Road, on Thursday.
“There was never any doubt in the slightest I would make it to 100,” Mr Lapp said. “The highlight of my life was that I have been able to survive everything they have thrown at me.”
The secret of his longevity is “eating and drinking properly,” he revealed – and never smoking a cigarette.
Unlike fellow local centenarian Esme Jenkins, who told the New Journal last month she defied doctors by smoking up to 60 cigarettes a day, Mr Lapp said: “My ticker is perfect, I’m fit as a fiddle and I’ve never smoked. When I was in the army I used to sell my cigarettes to those idiots who wanted to smoke.”
Over the years, Mr Lapp has been a cabinet-maker, stockbroker and soldier.
As a British infantryman, he took part in the Anzio landing in Italy in 1944, when he was taken prisoner.
His ability to speak German allowed him to barter with the guards for more food for
prisoners.

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