SERGEANT Scott Hodgkinson will be running Sunday's Guildhall Shopping Centre Great West Run dressed in his full Army uniform and carrying a 30lb backpack.

Scott, 35, who lives at Lympstone with his wife Charlotte, 34, and son Jae, eight, hopes to raise £500 for the charity Help for Heroes.

Help for Heroes supports servicemen and women wounded in the line of duty in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Scott has been in the Army for 17 years, and now works at Exeter's Army Recruitment Office.

"I have served as a frontline soldier in both Iraq and Afghanistan," said Scott.

"While I was fortunate enough to avoid serious injury, I have friends who have not been so lucky.

"Some have lost their lives and others their limbs, and I know many who are dependent on the charity Help For Heroes. It offers them a lifeline of support."

Scott has been training for the half marathon since January.

"I have never run more than eight miles before so I'm really pushing myself to complete the Great West Run carrying my full kit," he said.

"I have been running the 11-mile journey to work twice a week. It has been exhausting but worth it as I feel ready for the weekend's race."

Scott has been following a healthy diet since he began his training and as a result he has lost 10lb. He said: "My diet has completely turned around. I used to avoid fruit and vegetables but now I can't get enough of them."

Joining Scott in running the half marathon will be his colleagues Major Laura Butcher and Warrant Officer Russ Jarman, who are also raising money for Help for Heroes.

Clare Browne, head of events at Help for Heroes, said: "We are extremely grateful for the support being offered by Scott Hodgkinson and his team.

"We are 100 per cent behind them during their challenge and wish them all the very best."

To sponsor Scott and his team email armyrec01.exeter@afco.mod.uk.

See the Echo's coverage of the Guildhall Shopping Centre Great West Run at www.thisisexeter.co. uk/greatwestrun.