DON’T be surprised if you come across a jogging Star Wars scout trooper around Dawlish and Teignmouth this month - there is a perfectly rational explanation for it.

Trooper ST-2603 is not from a galaxy far, far away, but instead hails from Dawlish - where he is better known as Elliott Wright.

Throughout January the 30-year-old is aiming to run as many miles as possible in full Imperial Army battle kit as he can to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation, a charity which is very close to his heart.

‘I developed meningitis as a baby and was very lucky to survive with few long lasting effects,’ said Elliott.

“I was only 21 months old at the time and obviously don’t remember a thing but I was very ill and at one point needed kidney dialysis for a few months as I recovered.’

Meningitis is a deadly disease that can both kill and seriously disable in a matter of hours. Small children and young adults are particularly high risk but it can strike at any age and globally around 1,000 people die daily from it.

The Meningitis Research Foundation fundraises to invest in research, campaign for vaccines and provide symptom information and support those already affected.

Thankfully Elliott, who is training to be a personal fitness trainer, made a full recovery and is at full scout trooper fighting fitness.

‘With the onset of the new lockdown this week I’ve had to change the planned routes to keep things more local to the Dawlish and Teignmouth area as opposed to travelling to other locations,’ he continued.

‘I haven’t set a time limit for each run, the aim is to just get the run done no matter how long it takes.’

And it’s not the first time that the Star Wars aficionado has donned an Imperial uniform for charity, as two years ago Elliott walked from Dawlish to Exeter in full storm trooper regalia to raise money for a brain tumour charity.

However, running in full Imperial armour does have a few disadvantages to conventional running kit.

‘The outfit is a challenge as it really isn’t designed for running in and is a bit cumbersome,’ continued Elliott.

‘Probably the biggest problem is the mask as is steams up with my hot breath as I run!

‘The reaction from people on the runs I’ve done so far has been brilliant and kids seem to absolutely love it.

‘And there are an awful lot of double-takes as I suppose people don’t expect to see a soldier of the Galactic Empire jogging along the streets of Teignbridge.’

Anyone wishing to support Elliott on his endeavours can donate via his JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/elliott-wright2 and you can also track where he’s going to be running next throughout January on the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cospl4ycharact3r4hire