Andy, of Northampton, plans to take part in the 13-mile Silverstone Half-Marathon with a 32kg fridge on his back to help servicemen wounded on duty in the Middle-East.

The determined 40-year-old, who lives in Rectory Farm, served with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Green Jackets.

Now he is raising money for Help For Heroes, a national charity that supports servicemen and women who were wounded while serving with British forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He said: "I want to raise awareness for these soldiers.

"If someone is injured in prison, they can get more money in compensation than some of these guys who are coming back from Iraq with injuries.

"Being ex-Army myself, this is something close to my heart and I want to raise as much money as I can for them."

Mr Butler added: "I was contacted by an ex-colleague, to raise money in the best ways we can.

"It aids guys who are coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq and are wounded and are not getting the help they require from the Government."

"Anybody can run a half-marathon; the fridge is something just to catch the public's eye."

With two months to go, the runner's training programme includes his unusual "yomp".

He said: "I have been walking to work with weights on and working all day with them.

"And every Sunday I have been doing the distance with the weights, so that when the race comes along it should be a stroll in the park.

"The fridge is a little bit of a tradition. A colleague of mine years ago did something with a fridge.

"My family and friends think I am mad for doing this, but they know it is for a good cause."

ruth.pott-negrine@northantsnews.co.uk