AN RAF chaplain has gone the extra mile and then some to raise funds for charity.

Padre Michael Chatfield has decided to run a marathon in a penguin outfit in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund, and he had to extend his time on the Falkland Islands to do it.

Padre Michael is usually found working at RAF Odiham, having been posted there in June 2016, but was deployed for a four-month tour of the Falklands in November.

He has chosen to take some of his post-deployment leave on the Falklands so he can compete in the Stanley Marathon and fundraise for the RAF’s leading welfare charity.

He said: “I am nervous as I know it will be a tough race. The organisers advise that seasoned runners describe it as one of the toughest road marathons because of the challenging weather conditions. But I’m also looking forward to the challenge as it has encouraged people to give to a wonderful charity.

“As a chaplain in the RAF I see the importance of the support that the RAF Benevolent Fund provides to personnel and their families through projects such as free access to relationship support, financial grants to people in crisis and provision of specialist advice.”

A keen birdwatcher, Padre Michael was inspired by the Falklands’ famous residents to add another layer – quite literally – to his challenge and dress up as a penguin.

Padre Michael, 42, has set himself a target of raising £1,000 and already looks to be exceeding that, particularly as he has invited friends and family to add a song of their choice to his running playlist for a fee.

He added: “Some have been kind and given me songs to encourage such as world music which reflect the places I’ve live. Others have decided that songs such as Spitting Image’s Chicken Song or Sesame Street’s Doin’ the Penguin will help me run faster!”

Heather Kemp, Regional Fundraiser for the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: ““Dedicated supporters like this make all the difference to the RAF Family as they enable the fund to continue our work supporting those in need. Whether it be financial, practical or emotional assistance, the RAF Benevolent Fund has stood side by side with the RAF for almost a century.”

Padre Michael will run the Stanley Marathon on March 18.

To support his fundraising, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/michael-chatfield2