A BUILDER is training for a "gruelling" charity run.
Barry Watkins, 45, of New Road in Chingford, wants to raise money for Help For Heroes by completing a 10-mile endurance race over rugged terrain and hills while wearing a backpack weighing more than 18 kilos.
As if the task was not tough enough, the fitness instructor also wants to finish the race in one hour and 50 minutes - the time that trainee paratroopers must achieve to qualify.
The father-of-two decided to run the race later this year after his ex-forces friend Simon Tulley inspired him with his tales of tours in the Middle East.
"He told me these great stories of adventure but also I learned about the people who come back with not just physical but mental injuries," Mr Watkins added.
"That's why I want to raise as much as I can, to help these people. It will be gurelling but worth it."
The pair has set up Pegasus Military Fitness, an personal fitness company which takes its members in and around Epping Forest on weekends and evenings.
Mr Watkins said: "I usually end up carrying everyone's water bottles, which helps with the training."
He is setting up an online page for people to donate money before the race at Colchester Garrison, in Essex, in October.
You can donate to his cause here.
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