A group of soldiers in a Bradford Territorial Army squadron will march the Bradford 10k run for Epilepsy Action with 20kg weights on their backs.

Captain Ian Bunting, 47, said the charity was important to him because his girlfriend died following an epileptic seizure in 1997.

Alison Reynolds suffered from a genetic condition called tuberous sclerosis, a disease which caused benign tumours to grow in her brain and other organs, and her epilepsy was linked to the condition.

Capt Bunting, of the Royal Engineers 106 (West Riding) Field Squadron, said: “The run is a fantastic event and I cannot speak highly enough of the people who helped Alison. Anything we can raise to treat or try to prevent epilepsy can only be for the better. We are intending to put a ten-man group out from Bradford and are hoping more will join us.”

The group’s march will be similar to a standard TA fitness test.

“Most of the guys doing it have just passed the test,” said Capt Bunting. “We are ready.”

The soldiers will also be raise funds for Leeds Autism Services as Mrs Reynolds’s daughter Kerry is autistic, and the Peter Congdon Neonatal Ward, Leeds, in memory of Sapper Lee Jackson’s baby, who died after being born prematurely.

Epilepsy Action’s third 10k run, on Sunday, March 21, will begin and end in Centenary Square, heading down Canal Road towards Frizinghall and back. There are 2,500 places available for the race, which is being supported by the Telegraph & Argus, Bradford Council’s B-active campaign and the Airedale Athletics squad.

The race will cost £16 to enter, or £14 for people who are affiliated to a UK athletics club. To sign up, fill out the form, visit epilepsy.org. uk or phone (0113) 210 8800.