WHAT started as an unusual idea between a husband and wife has turned into a charitable reality.When Sergeant Martin Prynne of Caringbah was deployed to Afghanistan for five months last November, he decided to raise money with his wife Elaine — who moved back to her home town of Belfast in December while he is gone — as a way of coping with their separation.

During their time apart, they will complete the distance between Belfast, which is in Northern Ireland, and Afghanistan by running, rowing or cycling to raise money for Sydney Legacy, the charitable body that helps Australian families suffering after the death of a spouse or parent during or after defence service.

The Prynnes have completed more than 300km of the 6000km distance.

“It started out with just Martin planning to complete it on his own,” Mrs Prynne said. “But when we realised it would be hard for him to do it when he was away, I stepped in.”

A Sydney Legacy spokeswoman said this fund-raising initiative was a positive way of making them feel closer together.

“It’s a different idea as we normally have people sell cakes or do a walk-a-thon,” she said. “We have had a few defence force personnel raising money for Sydney Legacy and this is the first time someone has done this.”

This is the first time Mr Prynne has been deployed with the Australian Defence Force. He was in the British Army before he was posted to Australia three years ago.

“Even though he has no gym to work out he will try to do what he can,” Mrs Prynne said.

“I’m going to try to take photos of my progress and post it online so that I can show him and others supporting us.”

Details: everydayhero.com.

au/martin_pry nne.