A DINAS POWYS runner has raised cash for an RAF charity after running the Cardiff Half Marathon carrying a 30lb pack.

Martin Wade finished the race in 1 hour 45 minutes while carrying a backpack full of water containers to raise money for the RAF Association.

Martin, who has raised nearly £200 said sponsor money came from work colleagues, online and from the RAFA club in Penarth.

"I'm really grateful to everyone who has donated money for my run", the newspaper website editor said. "It will all help the RAFA and the vital work they do for serving and former RAF personnel and their families."

The 44-year-old runner raised funds for the RAF Association because of the help they gave his mother and grandmother after his grandfather, an RAF airman was killed.

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 killed in a road accident in 1946 outside his airfield, tragically just two months before his mother was born.

Martin said the run was his 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. "I hope by doing something a little bit different, I've make my fundraising stand-out a bit more, which will hopefully mean more cash for the RAFA."

"I certainly got quite a few cheers of encouragement on the way round" he said."

There is still time to make a donation go to: www.justgiving.com/cardiffhalfwithpack