A SUPERFIT fundraiser from Hampshire has set himself an incredible challenge - running 60 marathons in as many days.
Steve Radjen is hoping to net £600,000 by running 1,572 miles in aid of two Hampshire hospices that support children and young adults with life-limiting conditions.
The long-distance athlete has already spent almost two decades raising funds for Naomi House & Jacksplace at Sutton Scotney, near Winchester.
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.
Four 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.
Last year Steve, 60, of Brockenhurst, was presented with the British Empire Medal for services to charity.
Talking about his latest challenge - "60in60at60" - he said: “A lot of people have questioned why I’d even attempt to do something so crazy.
"From the first moment I walked through the doors at Naomi House, I felt the desire to give something back. I knew I wanted to play a part in supporting this amazing cause."
Paul Morgan, director of fundraising at Naomi House, added: "Steve epitomises the community-centred nature of the support that's enabled us to grow as a charity.
"Over the years, he has tackled some of the toughest physical endurance challenges anyone can imagine – and always with the objective of raising funds and awareness to support our children.
"It's no surprise that over the years he has become our single most successful individual fundraiser.
"When you consider the challenges Steve sets himself, and the sums he raises, it truly puts him on another level altogether.”
To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/steve-radjen-60in60at60
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