Look out for the teddy bear runner in the Mid Sussex Marathon

It is one of eight events that John Alway, 41, is running to prepare himself for a trek to the summit of Mount Snowdon, all to raise money for the NSPCC and Make-A-Wish Foundation UK.

After running the Lewes 10k he said: “Throughout the race, I was cheered on the whole way round by “go bear” and “hey you have a bear chasing you.

“With dogs chasing me and kids hanging off its legs and arms, the bear was the least of my worries.”

John came 630th out of 675 after starting at the back, which he said he is “quite pleased with”.

He will run on three consecutive days this weekend in two ten mile and one ten kilometre events whilst giving the 180cm tall teddy bear a piggy back.

“I’m training so I don’t kill myself,” John added.

“My only concern is not making it, if it rains the bear will get heavier and heavier.

“The only thing that will stop me is serious ill health, otherwise I’ll make it to the top no matter what.

“I’m even considering dressing the bear in mountain equipment,” he explained.

Accompanied by his cuddly companion, John will also compete in Lindfield, Hassocks, Seaford and Newick to prepare him to take on the tallest mountain in England and Wales on September 6 and 7 this year.

The teddy bear runner said: “It’s difficult because if it gets hot then the bear overheats me, but if it rains or there’s any moisture in the air then it gets heavier and harder to carry.”

He chose the children’s charities because of his experiences in the armed forces.

John continued: “When I’ve been touring in times of war, I’ve seen what happens to the countries and it’s the children that ultimately suffer as much as anyone.

“I’ve seen Make-A-Wish come out with their kids and show them things like the wagons and the tanks, so I know how good the work is that they do.”

Donations can be made to the NSPCC at www.justgiving.com/JohnAlway or to Make-A-Wish at www.justgiving.com/JohnAlwaymakeawish