A MARATHON runner has been presented with the British Empire Medal after raising for more than £500,000 for two Hampshire hospices.

Steve Radjen has spent almost two decades notching up hundreds of miles in aid of Naomi House & Jacksplace, a joint centre that caters for children and young adults.

Steve, of Brockenhurst, was awarded the BEM in the New Year Honours List for services to charity.

Having done little or no sport since his early 20s Steve took up running in 2004 after deciding he needed to do something to get fit.

A few years later he celebrated his 50th birthday by entering what is often described as the toughest race on Earth - the gruelling Marathon des Sables (MDS).

Contestants have to run 156 miles across the Sahara Desert in six days while carrying all their kit on their back. Steve was hit by a stomach bug while taking part and was unable to eat for a day, but still managed to cover 54 miles in 21 hours.

Less than a week later he ran the London Marathon wearing his full MDS kit, including an 11kg backpack.

Three years ago he celebrated Naomi House’s 21st anniversary by running 21 marathons in as many days, smashing his fundraising target by netting £160,000.

A Naomi House spokesperson said: "Over the past 17 years Steve has been a prolific supporter of Naomi House & Jacksplace and has made a real difference.

"In 2012 he raised £85,000 by running the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert.

"The following year Steve became a trustee. He remains committed to this role, giving his time and support to the organisation through his expertise and professional knowledge of digital marketing and media.

"As well as herculean feats of endurance, Steve’s passion and creative drive led the development of the Naomi House & Jacksplace brand over many years."

Mark Smith, chief executive of Naomi House & Jacksplace, added: "Steve’s peerless and exemplary contributions are deeply valued by everyone.

"We are so proud to see his efforts to support life-limited and life-threatened children, young adults and their families have been recognised with a BEM.

"He is an inspiration to all of us and a shining light of the community we serve."

Steve is client services director at LAB Group, a collection of digital agencies. He was presented with his BEM by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson.

He said: "Naomi House & Jacksplace’s work is very close to my heart and I couldn’t be more humbled and thankful for everyone who nominated me.

"I hope this will inspire more people to volunteer and assist the charity in any way they can."