David Paterson with equipment bought with his fundraising

The latest amount of money raised by 44-year-old Mr Paterson, who has suffered from arthritis since childhood, will pay for equipment used in operations on tendons.

The cheque was accepted by Dr Andrew Amis, professor of orthopaedic biomechanics, who is leading research into improving operating techniques on patients with knee problems.

Mr Paterson's inspiration for his marathon fundraising effort was when his own mobility was restored by a pioneering operation, which used carbon fibre to help his knees and elbows.

After undergoing 18 operations, Mr Paterson decided to pay something back for the treatment he had received and now travels the country collecting money in a can outside branches of Sainsbury.

It is estimated that he has travelled nearly 500,000 miles and spent almost 150,000 hours (or 6,250 uninterrupted days) in his efforts to collect money for research.

Dr Amis described Mr Paterson's efforts as "remarkable" and thanked him for his "support and generosity".