Super-fit Graham Dawson is to take part in a gruelling marathon-plus to help keep middle-aged men and women more healthy.

Graham, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday, is to take part in the Two Oceans - Atlantic to Indian ultra-marathon over 35 miles in Cape Town, South Africa, on Easter Saturday.

He is now inviting sponsorship from the people and businesses of Keighley, with every penny raised going to help the Senior Health Awareness Project (SHAPE) fighting fund.

Graham, of Keighley, is the assistant organiser at Keighley Community Transport and often ferries members of SHAPE around to different events.

He says: "I have seen at first hand what SHAPE does. Keeping active in whatever way helps people in middle-age to keep healthy. Unfortunately their funding is under threat.

"I decided to offer them the opportunity of this marathon run to raise funds."

Shape committee member Harry Beevers says: "It is truly a magnificent gesture from Graham. He has said he intends this run to be his swan-song for full marathons.

"We hope we can use his courage to raise much needed funds."

Graham, who didn't start running until his mid-forties, has since competed in well over 400 road races in the UK and abroad. He will be entering the Two Oceans race in the "grandmaster" veterans category and is hoping to reach the finish line within the time limit of seven hours.

Anyone who wants to make a donation should send it to SHAPE, 15/19 Temple Street, Keighley. Cheques should be made payable to SHAPE.

Members are also collecting names on special sponsorship forms. For more information call SHAPE on 01535 691731.

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