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Marathon man, 81, hopes to reach milestone
HE may be 81, but Stewart Temple will be showing runners half his age a clean pair of heels at next month's Great North Run.
It will be the 11th time that Stewart, from Jarrow, has competed in the Newcastle-to-South Shields half marathon.
As with every other year, the grandad will be running for the South Shields-based Mission To Seafarers, and hopes to collect enough sponsorship to push his amount he has raised over the 10,000 barrier.
Last year, the Mill Dam centre was given a one-year stay of execution after being threatened with closure.
The former Merchant Navy engineer, who spent 15 years in the service, said: "I've always come down here, and it's a great place.
"But they way things have been going recently, it needs more help than ever.
"A lot of people don't realise it's still up and running.
"I'm trying to raise money to keep it open and raise awareness so people can get in there and keep it alive."
Last year, Mr Temple completed the 13.1-mile course in 2hrs 55mins, raising 942, which went towards refurbishing the centre.
Mr Temple goes to the gym three times a week, and runs on the beach once a week.
He has already competed in two six-mile runs this year.
He added: "I raised more than ever last year, and want to beat that this year.
"If I get enough, I might be able to reach the 10,000 mark for all I've raised over the years."
The Mission regular only started running at the age of 70, after the death of his wife Maureen.
He said: "I was sitting with a friend in the Ben Lomond in Jarrow watching the race, and he bet me 10 that I couldn't do it.
"So I signed up, did it, won the money and have been running ever since."
Mission welfare officer Diane Erskine said: "I can't believe he's running it. Stewart has been brilliant over the years, we're all right behind him here.
"He gets lots of people recognising him while he's running and cheering him on. He's been helping us out for 11 years. He is absolutely amazing."
He has organised a sweepstake to guess his finishing time. Anyone wanting to support him can pick up a sponsorship form at the Mission or by calling 455 5963.
* Got a Great North Run story? Call Paul Clifford on 427 4870.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
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