A FIREFIGHTER and charity fundraiser has been presented with British Empire Medal ahead of planning his biggest challenge yet.

Justin Rowe, watch manager at Malton fire station, is an endurance athlete, running huge distances for charities such as the RNLI, Macmillan Cancer Support, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Help for Heroes and the Firefighters Charity.

His medal was awarded for services to the community and to charity in Malton and presented by Barry Dodd, the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire at County Hall on behalf of the Queen, ahead of a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Justin said: "It was a memorable day fantastic experience and a huge honour.

“I’m absolutely full of pride and full of happiness.”

The fire officer started long-distance running in 1997 and among the many long-distance runs he has completed since was a seven-day, 360-mile run round New York, running to all 252 fire houses in the five boroughs.

Mr Rowe and his team ran in the US to raise money for ex-firefighter charities, including the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. This charity, which builds “smart homes” for injured firefighters, was founded in memory of firefighter Stephen Siller, who died on 9/11.

Justin said he was now planning a 2,633-mile run down the east coast of the USA, from Maine to Florida, which will mean running a marathon a day for 105 days. He will undertake this epic journey on behalf of a charity which helps ex-service men and women.

"I will be running through 13 States, the route will take me through rural countryside, national parks, small villages, towns, urban areas and cities," he added.

" After some research, I will be the first person to attempt to run along the east coast of the USA."

Justin said the run would take place during May 2019 and should take approximately 16 weeks to complete including rest days.

"I will be running a distance of 25 miles a day for approximately 105 days, I plan to start running early each day especially when I am running through the southern states as the temperature will be high.

"From past experience I will start the serious training to prepare my body for this type of challenge 18 months prior to the event/challenge, I train in some of the most picturesque landscape in the UK. Such as the North Yorkshire Moors and the Cleveland Way due to its undulating, challenging terrain and changeable weather conditions."

Justin said he was aiming to raise $1,000,000 to be split between The Stephen Siller Tunnel To Towers Foundation (USA), Allied Forces Foundation (USA) and Veterans in Action Charity (UK).

" The two US foundations and UK charity I am raising funds for support military veterans on both sides of the Atlantic. I have witnessed the important work they carry out supporting our severely injured military veterans, and those veterans who are struggling with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and the transition from military life to civilian life."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Justin should contact him on 07809244581 or email justinrowe@sky.com