After completing numerous marathons and half marathons, runner James McCallion decided he needed a new challenge to focus on.

Which is why, on April 17, the former army sergeant major will be tackling the Bungay half marathon with a fridge freezer strapped to his back.

The 43-year-old from Bungay, known as Jimmy Mac, is hoping to complete the 13-mile course in three-and-a-half hours, supported along the way by running partner and time keeper Louise Reed.

The pair will be raising money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, a cause close to Mr McCallion's heart.

He said: 'The air ambulance is an emergency service, which at some point in our lives, will be needed to support or save a life of a loved one be it a family member, friend or yourself.

'This emergency service never seems to get the high profile that it deserves.

'Sadly, I lost a friend Daniel Tubbs in a road traffic accident and the air ambulance was there to support.

'We will be running in memory of Daniel.'

The idea of running with the unusual load came about after Mr McCallion spotted someone running with a fridge on his back.

He said: 'I've seen it on the marathon and I thought 'I'd love to do that'.'

The 30kg fridge freezer has been attached to a specially-made backpack and Mr McCallion can be seen most weekends training around Bungay with the kitchen appliance strapped in place.

Ms Reed, herself a member of Bungay Black Dog Running Club, said: 'We do get some funny looks.

'The weight is not an issue, it's the stability.

'We are training three times during the week, with a long run on a Saturday.'

The pair have not set a fundraising target but are hoping to raise as much money as they can for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

To support the runners, visit www.justgiving.com/James-McCallion2/

•Are you taking part in a charity fundraising event? Email lynn.crombie@archant.co.uk