Marathon run with a tumble dryer

BBC Leicester's Jo Healey joins Kez Dunkley on a training session

It's tough enough to run a marathon, so why would someone decide to do it with a six stone tumble dryer on their back?

Kez Dunkley, a former soldier from Cosby, is running the Leicester Marathon with the machine to raise money for the Help for Heroes charity.

The new organisation was formed to help soldiers who have been wounded in Britain's current conflicts.

The 40-year-old is hoping to raise more than £3,000 when he runs the 26.2 miles route on 11 October 2009.

Last year Kez ran the Leicester Marathon with a bag of cement on his back, so this year he wanted a bigger challenge!

Apart from the odd looks I've had on my journey it's been great even when I ran up Croft Hill with it Kez Dunkley, Cosby, Leicestershire

But training with the six stone tumble dryer is no easy task.

"I'm nearly at the end of my seven months of training with the kitchen appliance and I'm going to miss it when it's gone... NOT!

"It's my rest week, well apart from some light jogging on Thursday and Friday, so I'll be putting my feet up on Saturday.

"Anyone who has ran a marathon will know about the time and effort that goes in to training for one of these events.

"I've covered some mileage over the last few months and would like to say that apart from the odd looks I've had on my journey it's been great - even when I ran up Croft Hill with it."

Passionate about running

Kez was in the army for 16 years and during his time in the service he completed numerous marathons. After leaving the forces his love of running continued.

His latest big run is fast approaching and Kez has mixed feelings.

Everyone gets a little nervous - even ex-soldier Kez Dunkley

"I'm excited about Sunday and already feel nervous and anxious with a touch of the pre-event jitters.

"The butterflies in the stomach, pounding heart, and sweaty palms will be with me Sunday morning - I'm sure!

"I don't have any worries about the day, but I do know it's going to be hard in the later miles.

"I'm hoping the crowd is out in force to cheer me and my support runners, Matt and Tim, passed the finish line."

An emotional time

Kez will not only be remembering injured soldiers while he is taking part in the Leicester Marathon, but he will also be thinking of his daughter during his run.

"I always find it a little emotional every time I finish a marathon and this one will be no different.

"I will have a little moment for my 16-month-old daughter Libbie, who we lost four years ago."

Kez Dunkley has raised thousands of pounds for various charities

In January 2005 Libbie died from cot death.

To try and do something positive in Libbie's memory Kez's sister-in-law, Julie, convinced him to run the London Marathon in 2006.

Since then Kez has not stopped raising money for various charities including Tommy's Baby Charity, LOROS and - the closest charity to his heart - the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSIDS).

Kez believes he needs to focus both is body and mind to complete the Leicester Marathon on Sunday.

"My pre-event routine will be the same as usual. Being physically prepared is one thing, but I know being mentally prepared is just as important if not more."

Good luck!

Kez's message to you all...

"To all the runners this year... I wish the very best of luck, but be safe.

"To all the people in the crowd... I hope that I can inspire you to take up running and to perhaps think about joining me next year."

Kez is hugely grateful to everyone who has support him by donating money to the Help For Heroes charity.