SOLDIER Dave Paintin has raised more than £4,600 for charity – while serving in Afghanistan.

The 44-year-old, from Greater Leys, Oxford, organised a fun run in Kandahar for fellow service personnel, during which temperatures topped 40C (104F).

More than 200 servicemen and women took part in the event at the main operating base for British forces in the war-torn country.

Corporal Paintin, who lives with partner Sandra and their daughter Lucy, aged six, was inspired to raise the money for Cancer Research UK by his best friend Cpl Lee Jones, who is based at South Cerney barracks, near Cirencester, in Gloucestershire, and recently beat the disease.

He said: “Lee became my inspiration for the event. We were so pleased with how it went.”

Cpl Paintin, who is still in Afghanistan, works in the Quartermaster’s Department as part of the Joint Support Unit and ensures troops on the front line receive supplies.

Everything from arms and ammunition to life-saving medical supplies, rations and post from home has to be delivered to troops fighting Taliban inurgents in Helmand province.

Cpl Paintin said: “It’s a very hard tour, with long hours, but it’s worth it.

“It’s good to know that the work I do here helps soldiers on the front line, not just operational equipment but the nicer side of life as well.

“Welfare kit really does make a difference for those on isolated patrol bases.”

Cpl Paintin joined the Royal Logistic Corps in 1998 and has also seen service in Iraq.

His mother, Rosemary, still lives in Cowley.

When at home, he volunteers for the Royal British Legion. He is due to return to Oxford next month at the end of his tour of duty.

Cpl Paintin said: “I’ve found the tour very rewarding, but I’m definitely looking forward to coming home to my family.”

Ministry of Defence spokesman Alastair McCrea-Steele praised Cpl Paintin’s fundraising efforts.

He said: “This is again another of example of the altruistic nature of our forces.

“Despite the pressures of duty, where our service personnel are working tirelessly to achieve a safer Afghanistan and a more secure world for us all, many of them will go the extra mile to help those in need.”