Ex-solider to run Pennine 10k with fridge on his back

COOL Runnings: Former soldier Paul Tunstill is set to tackle the Pennine 10k with a fridge on his back. (s)

Ex-Army Corporal Paul Tunstill is bidding to run the entire Pennine Lancashire 10k course carrying a huge 30kg refrigerator.

Fitness fanatic Paul (37) wanted to do the madcap challenge after he was forced to curb plans to complete the hometown race in full army gear last year in the wake of the killing of soldier Lee Rigby.

He was inspired to take on the crazy fund-raising bid by a former Para who did the London marathon lugging a washing machine around the course.

Father-of-four Paul, who was medically discharged from the Army last year after suffering ear problems following a fire fight in Afghanistan, decided to do the Jane Tomlinson Appeal race with a bulky kitchen appliance in tow.

He said: “I was going to do it last year in full Army gear and bergen but after the Lee Rigby incident we were advised as a security measure we were not allowed to do it like that.

“They did not know if there were going to be more reprisals and I spoke to my unit at the time and they said it was not a good idea.

“This year I said I wanted to do something bigger and better. I saw that an ex Para had done a marathon with a washing machine on his back and I liked the idea.

Paul, of Casterton Avenue, has mounted the appliance on a special rucksack and has already been out training with it on.

Businesses have sponsored him to stick their logos on the side of the fridge as he bids to raise hundreds of pounds for Pendleside Hospice.

Now he is gearing up for the 10k challenge, alongside his partner Carley Baron, which will take place in Burnley on June 22nd.

He said: “It sounds a little bit mad. The fridge quite heavy but it is more awkward really. I don’t really know what time I will get.

“We are doing it to raise money for Pendleside Hospice because a friend of ours has cancer and we have friends and relatives who have been there too.”

People can donate to his appeal at www.justgiving.com/Paul-Tunstill1.

Runners can still sign up for the Pennine 10k at www.janetomlinsonappeal.com