Jim Dowdall

Jim is our local octogenarian hero, he is now the young age of 86 , a widower, originally from Ireland, he chose to settle in Thornhill, Southampton with his wife in 1955 after serving with the Royal Navy on the destroyer HMS Undaunted. Jim suffered a mini stroke at 71, part of his recovery was to have a goal, he made his to run the London Marathon, achieving this at 73! He has since gone on to complete 8 marathons in total raising nearly £16k for a local cancer charity. After raising this staggering amount of money Jim was recognised with an MBE, he has also been awarded a Local Hero award. Many people know of his achievements, however Jim is a very humble man who never boasts or brags, he is one of life`s good guys. Jim is very active in the local Thornhill Community and an inspiration to everyone in the local area, where young and old always stop to chat. He is actively involved in Thornhill Community Health Group which works in partnership with NHS/PCT to ensure local health needs are met, he also inspires and encourages older people to attend the weekly chair exercise group and finally he is very active in the local church. When asked if he would like to be nominated as a London 2012 Torchbearer his eyes lit up, he said he would be very humbled if this opportunity arose because it would show local people you`re never too old to start being healthy and active or to get involved with your local communities issues, everyone can make a difference.