Help for Heroes fundraiser Steve Craddock has won a special award from the Prime Minister.

The 58-year-old former soldier, from St Mary’s Island, has raised £350,000 after organising cycling challenges and fundraising events.

He has been named a Point of Light by Prime Minister David Cameron, an award which recognises volunteers, people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Mr Craddock, who served as a Royal Engineer for 15 years and went on six operational tours of peacekeeping duties in Northern Ireland, is the 384th person to get the award.

Last year he organised a 100km Cycle for Heroes ride featuring around 120 people, which raised more than £6,500. He also tackled a number of personal challenges including the 350-mile Help of Heroes Big Battlefield Ride, from Ypres, Belgium, to Verdun in Northern France and the Alpine Cycle Challenge which involved 8,000 metres of climbing.

He has also organised golf days, quiz nights, black tie dinners and concerts as he bids to reach £500,000. The money Mr Craddock has raised so far has gone towards building a cycle storage unit and workshop at the Help for Heroes Recovery Centre at Tedworth House in Tidworth, Wiltshire.

Mr Cameron said: “As we remember all those who have served in our armed forces it is right that we should also thank those who raise funds to support charities that play a vital role in the lives of current and former forces personnel.

"Since he left the Royal Engineers, Steve has raised an incredible amount of money for Help for Heroes through a huge number of events. I am delighted to recognise Steve as the UK’s 384th Point of Light.”

Mr Craddock said: “It’s great that you can see where your money goes and that Help for Heroes is reconnecting our armed forces with the people of this country.”

His next Help for Heroes fundraiser will be on Wednesday at the Central Theatre in Chatham High Street. The Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers will be playing and also appearing will be the Brompton Military Wives Choir and poet Philip Wells.

The evening will be compered by the former BBC, ITV and Sky Sports anchorman Geoff Clarke.

Mr Craddock said: “This will be a great evening with the band playing their full repertoire – from military to classical to rock and pop music.

“This is one of the foremost military bands and the evening is not to be missed.All profits will go to Help for Heroes.

“Please make an effort to attend an evening to remember and at the same time help those who have given so much in the service of our country.”

The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15 and £12 for concessions. Email boxoffice@medway.gov.uk, calling 01634 338338 or on the door.