During my early days as a sportsman and early career as a policeman, things were tight. In athletics I competed as an amateur and, although I might have received some expenses, very little came my way in earnings.

I've coached people who were ranked number one in the country but didn't get any support while other areas of sport got medium to full funding, even though the individuals had no hope of getting on to the rostrum.

One thing which frustrates me about state pensions is the disparity between EU countries.

Being born not long after the war meant that money was tight. I grew up in a rural corner of Lincolnshire and my father worked on local farms. Being one of nine kids meant we didn't have much.

It seems that nearly every week there is a problem where information is leaked or computers hacked. I'm conscious of keeping my details as safe as possible. I might be old but I'm still bright and prefer to go into my local branch and see a face.

When you experience having nothing you value everything - and that applies to all aspects of life.

In my view, the money is poorly spent and given willy-nilly to people unlikely to get on the winning rostrum.