Great North Runner is on his marks… aged 87; PENSIONER'S PULLING ON HIS TRAINERS FOR THE TOMA FUND

Byline: By LAURA CAROE

HE should be reaching for his slippers, but not this super-fit pensioner.

Instead, he is donning his trainers to become the oldest person to do the Great North Run.

Jim Purcell, 87, has taken part in 21 Great North Runs, won 160 medals and raised more than pounds 10,000 for charity.

Despite two knee replacements and suffering from arthritis and osteoporosis, the great-grandad-of- 10, known as Jarra Jim, is determined to keep running.

After his beloved wife Betty died in 1982, Jim, of Falmouth Drive, Jarrow, South Tyneside, decided to start running.

Now the dad-of-three is gearing up for his 22nd Great North Run and is hoping to be three minutes faster than last year's three hours and 33 minutes.

He said: "One night, waiting until it was dark, I slipped out of the back door and ran round the block.

"I have never really looked back and it keeps me going. I have had some marvellous times running across the country."

Jim, who has also taken part in the London Marathon, is training twice a week and hopes to raise money for the Toma Fund.

It was set up by tragic Jordan Thompson's parents to raise money to provide space so sick teenagers can enjoy normal lives while they receive cancer treatment.

Jim added: "I hope to raise a lot of money for the Toma Fund. My grandson is the same age as Jordan was and I read about it in the paper."

Brave 15-year-old Jordan Thompson lost his battle with cancer in September last year.

Just six months after the teenager lost his life, his parents set-up the Toma Fund. His mum Andrea says she has been overwhelmed by the amount of support she has had.

The 39-year-old, of Gofton Walk, West Denton, Newcastle, said it was unbelievable Jim was taking part to raise money for the fund.

She added: " It is unbelievable at 87 he is still running half-marathons.

I don't know how he does it."

Jim has raised thousands of pounds for charities over the years and the proceeds from his book, It's the Smiles that Count, have gone to charity.

CAPTION(S):

PROUD: Jim Purcell with his medals and trophies; IN THE RUNNING: Jim Purcell trains near his Jarrow home PICTURE: TONY HALL www.chroniclelive.co.uk/buyaphoto ref: 01355424

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