With one person dying every 15 minutes as a result of physical inactivity, the British Heart Foundation has launched a campaign to encourage over-50s to exercise. Nicola Fifield finds out more.

When the end-of-school bell rang on April 3, 1957, 16-year-old Malcolm Fawcett set out to run the 42 miles between York and Scarborough.

Thirty miles down the road, he ground to a halt, but his ambitious attempt made front page news in our paper.

Last month the 66-year-old marked the 50th anniversary of his extraordinary run by taking part in the British Heart Foundation's York City Jog on April 3.

But five kilometres is a mere stroll in the park for this super-fit pensioner, from Green Hammerton, who is a sub-three-hour marathon man and an over-60s world record holder in the indoor rowing marathon.

He said: "I started running when I was at school and I realised that I was able to be fairly competitive at longer distances.

"Running from York to Scarborough was an off-the-cuff idea. After school one day, my friend got on the train to Scarborough to meet me and I started to run.

"I was wearing a pair of ordinary gym shoes and I had no water. After about 30 miles, I had to stop. I've gone on to run 14 marathons since then and I do about 40 road races every year.

"I love running and I'm going to keep going until they nail the lid down. It gives me a real buzz and it also keeps the body going.

"The only problems I've ever had are from when I've fallen over when out running."

Mr Fawcett is now urging other pensioners to dig out their trainers and get active.

He is backing British Heart Foundation's new campaign to encourage over-50s to spare 30 minutes a day for exercise in a bid to stave off heart disease and other chronic illnesses.

Dr Mike Knapton, of the BHF, said: "It's horrifying to think inactivity kills someone in the UK every 15 minutes. These deaths are avoidable and the solution is simple and achievable.

"Just 30 minutes a day can make all the difference. Keeping fit doesn't have to mean sweating it out at the gym, and it's never too late to start."


The British Heart Foundation's top ten tips to help over-50s keep fit:

* Walking - the easiest way to keep fit, and it's free. Just try upping your speed to a brisk walk.

* Vacuum cleaning the house - keeps your heart healthy, your carpets clean and earns you brownie points at home.

* Shopping - why not turn your shopping spree into an exercise regime by parking the car further away or using the park-and-ride bus.

* Golf - you can cover a lot of ground during a round of 18 holes.

* Tai Chi - to exercise the mind and body at the same time try this ancient art. Visit www.taichifinder.co.uk to find classes in York.

* Swimming - there's something for everyone at your local leisure centre and many run specific sessions for over- 50s.

* Dancing - fancy some South American salsa or a ballroom waltz? Classes are available across York.

* Gardening - so long as it gets you slightly out of breath and feeling warm it will count towards your 30 minutes a day.

* Riding a bike - join the BHF's Dalby Forest Bike Ride on June 10. Visit www.bhf.org.uk/events for more details.

* Flying a kite - head to your local park and get airborne.