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Video report by ITV News Meridian s Kit Bradshaw
A former soldier from Kent has raised half a million pounds for charity after 12 years of sponsored cycle rides.
Steve Craddock started his fundraising journey after struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from his tours of duty with the Royal Engineers in Northern Ireland.
I m not any young spring chicken any more. Although I love turning the pedals, sometimes it just gets very, very hard.
Steve Craddock, Veteran and fundraiser
He had hoped to hit his £500,000 target last year, but the pandemic meant countless cancelled events.
The sponsored challenges have raised money for Help for Heroes while also playing an essential role in Steve s recovery from PTSD.
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Updated: 11:53, 13 January 2021
Itâs taken 12 years of gruelling challenges all over the world, but veteran Steve Craddock has finally reached his £500,000 target for Help for Heroes.
His achievement makes him the charityâs biggest individual fundraiser - and heâs not stopping there.
Allez - ex sapper Steve Craddock on the D-Day ride (12537601)
The 63-year-old former Royal Engineersâ sergeant, who lives on St Maryâs Island, is already gearing up for his next epic raft of fundraisers.
The ex-sapper has spoken candidly about his own mental health issues in the past and recognises on a personal level how the charity supports and helps injured servicemen and women.