Former sapper Steve Craddock who has raised more than £350,00 for Help for Heroes has announced his gruelling charity schedule for 2016.

The 58-year-old from St Mary’s Island is embarking on a mammoth 10-day challenge in March when he tackles a 350km cycle ride through the mountains and jungles of Thailand and Burma.

The route of The Burma Bike Ride 2016, stops off at several Second World War historical sites, including the Bridge over the River Kwai and the Hellfire Pass where thousands of allied PoWs were enslaved in the construction of the railway.

For the second year running he is organising his Cycle 4 Heroes event to tie in with Armed Forces Day which is being held on the Great Lines Heritage Park, Gillingham, on Saturday, June 25.

Mr Craddock, who served as a Royal Engineer for 15 years and went on six operational tours of peacekeeping duties in Northern Ireland, is aiming to double the £6,500 collected last year. Among those expected to take part are injured sevicemen and women who have been helped by H4H.

The 100km route includes Rochester, the Hoo Peninsula, Cobham, Vigo, West Malling and Aylesford.

Mr Craddock’s tireless fundraising efforts were recognised by the Prime Minister last November. Mr Cameron presented him with a Point of Light award as a volunteer who made a difference in the community and inspired others.

The moiney so far raised by Mr Craddock has gone towards building a cycle storage unit and workshop at the H4H recovery centre Tedworth House in Wiltshire.

Over the years, since the charity was set up in 2007, he has organised quiz nights, black tie dinners and convcerts in his bid to reach £500,000 goal.

Mr Craddock said: “It’s rewarding to see where the money goes and that Help for Heroes is reconecting our Armed Forces with the people of this country.”