On 22 March 1976 Lofty started work at Albon Engineering, Rochford, where he would work until he was put on compulsory sick leave in October 2009 following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease. During almost 34 years in the same workplace he made many great friends and when he had to go on sick leave he was over the moon to be handed a collection of nearly £300 from all his workmates.