Leeds 10K: Cheers greet uniform approach by fundraiser

Mr Burl, who has raised several hundred pounds for the Armed Forces charity Help for Heroes, said: "This is the first time I have done the Leeds 10k and it's fantastic. The people are wonderful and really egged me on.

"I had heard of Jane Tomlinson and the appeal for a few years and this was something that I always wanted to do."

But, loaded down with kit including a bayonet, backpack and a blanket, he said that just completing the 10k was hard work.

"I am 51 and feeling it," he said. "I have family and friends in the Forces and I completed 24 years as a Ministry of Defence civil servant so decided the Help for Heroes charity was a good cause.

"The fatalities in Afghanistan are dreadful but there are also over 1,000 people who have come back with injuries who need our help."

He took one hour and 50 minutes to complete the race.

"I have been slowed down by all the kit and the heavy duty black boots. I am wearing what a member of the Black Watch would have worn in 1815 at the time of the Battle of Waterloo.

"I was in a bit of pain today and have got blisters on both feet, but it is nothing compared to what some people I have spoken to have gone through. I feel unbelievably humble."

Mr Burl, who lives in Starbeck, Harrogate, works for charity Skills For Care in Leeds.