THE man behind a running stormtrooper video that went viral on The Lad Bible has been revealed as a Sqaudron Leader from RAF Odiham.

Squadron Leader Jez Allinson, who began running around the town in a Star Wars outfit to prepare for taking on the London Marathon in the fancy dress outfit, gained notoriety as he was filmed by a passerby on their mobile phone. 

Using his “Stig-like fame” for good, Squadron Leader Allinson managed to raise more than £5,000 for the Make a Wish Foundation.

After his video was posted onto The Lad Bible, an online website aimed at men aged 16-30 that showcases the weird and wonderful of humankind, the donations poured in. 

“It just exploded once it was uploaded on The Lad Bible,” Squadron Leader Allinson said.

“I got a text message from one of my friends who saw the video and he said it was viewed 400,000 times and then a couple of minutes later it had gone up to half a million views – it’s gone past the two million mark now.

“But for me, it is all about using it to help raise as much money for the foundation as possible.

“So I am glad it has happened because people from across the world have now been donating to it.”

Each year Squadron Leader Allinson takes on the gruelling 26.2-mile London Marathon, but this year decided in order to raise more money he would do it in fancy dress.

Initially setting himself the target of raising £2,000 for the Make a Wish Foundation, a charity that grants wishes to enrich the lives of children fighting life-threatening conditions, he was overwhelmed by the kindness of those who donated.

“I was out running and went past this teenager with his girlfriend,” Squadron Leader Allinson added.

“As I went past them again, he ran up beside me and gave me five pounds to donate to the charity.

“It’s those sort of moments that make me happiest.

“This is an important charity.

“Thankfully my children, although born prematurely, are now okay so I wanted to do this for families who are not so fortunate.”

Squadron Leader Allinson is still raising for the Make a Wish Foundation through his appeal.

If you wish to donate to the appeal or find out more information about Squadron Leader Allinson’s story visit his fundraising page, justgiving.com/theforceawakens.