WHEN pensioner Jim Dowdall's request to join Southampton council's Active Options scheme came through, it raised a few eyebrows.

Pat Partington, community health and ftness co-ordinator who runs the scheme can still remember seeing the request from 77-year-old Jim's GP.

"It explained Jim had

suffered a stroke and he wanted to get in shape so he could run the London Marathon - you don't see too many requests like that," said Pat.

But Jim is proof that neither age nor health problems need stand in the way of starting a fitness regime - and it is possible to undertake a marathon as long as you have trained sensibly.

Jim, who has lived on the Thornhill estate for 45 years, revealed he had a

special reason for wanting to train and take part in the annual road race challenge. "My wife Ruth was my

inspiration. She died from lung cancer and I wanted to do the run to raise money for the Wessex Cancer Trust.

"I lost my daughter Heidi as well to cancer - it made me want to do something to raise money for others," he said.

Remarkably, before he joined the Active Options programme Jim had never undertaken any formal exercise. He worked on building sites until he retired and believes that helped him keep fit.

Nevertheless it was while Jim was nursing his dying wife that he suffered a mini stroke. " I can remember walking down the garden and I had this funny feeling down the right side of my face, down my right arm through to my right foot.

"I went to my doctor's and she said I had suffered a mini stroke. I was put on aspirin and sent to the hospital for a check-up," he said.

Following the death of his beloved wife, Jim decided he wanted to train for the London Marathon and at the age of 71 joined The Quays gym on the Active Options programme.

Under the scheme people who have

suffered heart attacks and strokes are referred by their GPs to follow a carefully monitored programme of exercise.

Jim said: "When they received my form I know they weren't sure if it was serious or just a big joke because of my age.

"I was put on a course of exercise doing several minutes on each machine.

"After some time, they could see I was serious about what I was wanting to do."

Jim is a familiar site striding into the city centre from his home in Faringford Road. Even when he's not training he prefers to walk rather than take the bus.

A caring family man, he and Ruth had five children and he is grandfather to 11 as well as great-grandfather to two. His wife was clearly the love of his life and it is her memory that keeps him pounding the streets.

"When she died I could have very easily got depressed but I find the exercise helps your mind too.

"I really enjoy doing the marathons -

I love the whole occasion as well as the taking part.

"There have been some really touching moments. I can remember a

little child offering me an ice cube.

"I thought it might upset my stomach but then I thought no and I took it because it was such a kind thing for her to do," he said.

If you want to sponsor Jim contact Rev Jim Annas of St Christopher's Church at The Vicarage, 402 Hinkler Road, Thornhill SO19 6DF.