And every day this October when he takes his dog Kelsey for a three kilometre walk around Albury he knows she will be egging him on every step he takes.

Mr Dowling, along with his three children, will each run or walk a marathon to raise money and awareness for heart health in honour of their mum and wife Kerry.

Mrs Dowling died in 2018 of a heart attack.

And despite his obvious motivation to take part in the Heart Foundation MyMarathon Mr Dowling admits he is also doing this for himself.

"My kids actually threw down the challenge to me to get moving and take part in the marathon during October," he said.

"I am carrying a bit of extra weight and it was a good opportunity to raise some awareness for a cause close to our heart but also to check in with our own health and lose a few kilograms.

"And they said if for no other reason do this for mum."

Mr Dowling said not a day goes by where he doesn't think of his wife.

"Kerry would tell me to get out there and do the kilometres and lose some weight so that is enough motivation for me," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"You have no idea how much I miss my wife but if we can raise some awareness through this and someone else checks in with their heart health we might be able to save another family from going through what we have in the past 12 months.

"In honour of Kerry, not only would we like to raise some money for the Heart Foundation but also remind everyone to have their health checked regularly and stay active in general, as it's not worth the risk of finding out too late."

Mrs Dowling is the driving force behind the team Kerry's Heroes who aims to raise $2500.

"We will get there, we are nearly there now and it has only just begun," Mr Dowling said.

"Ideally we will double our goal and get to $5000 but we are just happy getting the awareness out there.

"She is with us every day we get out there and do our run or walk. If I can do something for someone else it will all be worth it.

"Every little dollar I can raise might be able to help someone else and through Kerry I hope I can assist others.

"Unfortunately from Kerry's perspective we didn't know how sick she was until she went to hospital so I would say to everyone to be aware of your health.

"You only have one life - look after your body and your body would look after you."

The Dowling children Melissa, Christina and Nick don't live on the Border anymore but Mr Dowling said they are "just a phone call away".

"I know they are checking in on my progress and come back home when they can," he said.

"It is nice we are doing this together and in honour of Kerry - she would be fully supportive and love that we are getting out there."

Mr Dowling has until October 31 to clock up the 42.2 kilometres but aims to "do a bit more".

To support Kerry's Heroes search for their fundraising page at mymarathon.com.au