A RUNNER will carry more than just his sponsor's expectations when he runs the Cardiff Half Marathon in October.

Dinas Powys man, Martin Wade will be running the race in aid of RAFA while carrying a 30lb pack on his back.

The 44-year-old runner says he has competed in many half-marathons, but wanted to add "something extra" to the challenge when he runs the 13.1 mile course.

Martin will be raising funds for the RAF Association because of the help they gave his mum and grandmother after his grandfather, an RAF airman was killed.

Martin's grandfather John Bell joined the RAF in 1925 and saw service in the Middle East, India and Europe throughout the 1920s, 30s and the Second World War. "He was sadly killed in a road accident in 1946 outside his airfield" says Martin, adding "it was tragically just two months before my mum was born".

He says: "The RAFA gave vital support to my mum and grandmother through her childhood and this is my way of saying a belated 'thank you' and a way of supporting their work today with serving and former RAF personnel and their families."

Martin decided to run with the pack as he hoped the added difficulty would encourage people to give more. "By doing something a little bit different, it'll make my fundraising stand-out a bit more, which will hopefully mean more cash for the RAFA."

When asked what he was going to put in his pack, the newspaper website editor said he would carry four-litre milk containers filled with water. "Of course, I won't be able to drink any of this, so I'll have to carry another bottle to keep me hydrated on the way round" he added.

To make a donation go to: www.justgiving.com/cardiffhalfwithpack.