A NEWPORT man will be raising money for a cause inspired by his part-time job when he runs the Cardiff Half Marathon this weekend.

When Charlie Thompson joins 22,000 other competitors on the course, he will be running in aid of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF).

Charlie, who is a student nurse, also serves with Wales' only RAF reserves unit 614 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Five other members of the squadron will be competing.

He says that raising money for the RAFBF was a natural choice for the team. "I think it's important to support those in service and veterans of the RAF family who need help." he says.

The 27-year-old was moved to join the air force by his grandfather who flew in bombers during the Second World War. The job of today’s RAF also motivated him: "The role it plays in both conflict and humanitarian roles throughout the world today inspired me too" he adds.

The RAFBF provides welfare breaks for families and veterans, grants to help with getting about inside and outside the home, advice on benefits and care services and support for young people.

This won't be the first time Charlie has competed in the Cardiff Half and this year it will be part of his training for the Snowdonia Marathon at the end of October when he'll be raising money for Parkinson's UK.

Charlie, who is studying at the University of the West of England in Bristol is enjoying his part-time life in the reserves. “I like experiencing the military life, in particular my basic training. I’ve gained new skills had great experiences and met a wide variety of people.”

The squadron recruits people from across Wales and the West Country to serve in roles including technician, intelligence analyst, photographer, driver and chef.

Also taking part is fellow RAF Reservist and member of 614 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron, Argus Digital Editor Martin Wade.