A former RAF reservist from Kent has completed a gruelling challenge up the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons.

Richard Poile, from Sevenoaks, trained for months in full combat gear weighing more than 35lbs before the race over two sides of Pen Y Fan in aid of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

The 24km 'Fan Dance' challenge was no match for the 50-year-old regiment reservist, and he reached the summit the mountain twice, completing the challenge.

Richard said:“I joined the RAF Regiment Reserves a number of years ago as a gunner and found myself in amongst a great bunch of lads and lasses; they were like a second family.

"So when I was choosing a charity to help, the RAF Benevolent Fund was an easy choice because they’re there for the entire RAF family.

"When the going was tough on Pen Y Fan, it was encouraging to know that I was raising funds for such a great charity.”

The Fan Dance Challenge is a well-known British Military training event used by both the SAS (Special Air Service) and SBS (Special Boat Service) as an indication of a candidate's potential to pass Special Force's selection process.

The route is a combination of steady slopes, testing inclines and rocky terrains.

The RAF Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity, providing a range of services for serving and former RAF personnel, their spouses, and dependent children.

Mike Neville, director of strategy and fundraising at the RAF Benevolent Fund said, “Few people realise the extent of the work the RAF Benevolent Fund does.

"Each year we spend over £18 million supporting more than 60,000 members of the RAF family, which includes serving and former RAF personnel and their families.

"Without the funds raised by our supporters, up and down the country, we simply could not deliver the wide range of services and support we do.”

Richard has raised over £112 out of his £150 target on his donation page.

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is encouraging RAF airmen or veterans and their partners who might be in need to call 08001982400.

To donate visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/richardpoile