LIFE LESSONS: Jim Saunders

*MY AGE IN YEARS: I am a young minded 59-year-old.

*WHAT I DO: I am the manager/money adviser at Agnes Smith Advice Centre and have worked there as a volunteer and paid worker for 21 years. I enjoy the work and what it means. During these times of financial crisis, the kind of service provided will continue to be needed for a long time. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my wife. I like fishing, listening to music and reading/writing poetry.

*WHERE I LIVE: I live in a small bungalow in Marston village with my wife Pat.

*WHO I LOVE: All of my family but in particular my beautiful wife Pat – she is my heart and soul and due to my disabilities she has to give me a lot of help – my mother, my step-daughter and two wonderful grandchildren.

*HAPPIEST YEAR: 2000, when I married Pat.

*DARKEST MOMENT: The most recent darkest moment was losing my lifelong friend John Blackwell. We grew up together, were almost like brothers and I miss him a lot.

*PROUDEST BOAST: The day I married my wife Pat. My second proudest was becoming manager at the advice centre, but I did not like losing my close friend Agnes Smith to do so.

*WORST WEAKNESS: That depends on what you mean by worst. My worst weakness is chocolate, I love it but am not allowed it. But my other weakness is fishing – give me the time and I will go.

*LESSONS LEARNED: 1. We only have one life, so value it. 2. Nothing in life is free, regardless of what it is; someone has to pay the piper. 3. Nothing is more important than your health and your family 4. If you want people to be happy you have to put some effort into it – smile, share your joy and never ignore someone in need.

*DULLEST JOB: Furniture sales man, I could have fallen asleep, the shop hardly ever had customers. I think I stayed about one month before getting fed up with it.

*GREATEST SHAME: Not really a shame, but not being able to give more help to the communities in Oxford through advice. Lack of funds and space prevent us from increasing our service. Anyone got a spare million?

*LIFELONG HERO: I have so many really but for now I think the top one is Norman Wisdom, such an inspiration who gave us happiness and was very philosophical.

*OLDEST FRIEND: The late great John Blackwell, he was and always will be my greatest and closest friend.

*WIDEST SMILE: My wedding day. I was the happiest man on earth and beyond, even if the rings were left at home and it meant a mad dash to get them while the bride went for a long slow ride in the wedding car.

*FAVOURITE DREAM: Catching a 60lb carp and a 90lb catfish all on the same day.

*BIGGEST REGRET: Not pursuing a career as a drummer. I was involved in a little group many years ago but we all went our separate ways. I always regret not having the chance to say goodbye to my grandmother when she passed away.