Veteran runner Jack Denness, who has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for Medway charities over the last three decades, has been made an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.
The remarkable 77-year-old granddad. nicknamed Death Valley Jack after completing the gruelling 135 mile race 14 times, was “absolutely thrilled to bits” at the news.
At the age of 75 he beat his own record to become the oldest person to finish the endurance trek across Califirnia in searing heat, said to be one of the world’s toughest challenges.
Jack, who still works as a part-time caretaker at St William of Perth Primary School opposite his Rochester home ,has not ruled out giving it another go to celebrate his 80th birthday.
Among the many charities to benefit from his inspiring efforts have been the Kent Air Ambulance, Cliffe Woods Cerbral Palsy Care and the scanner and hydrotherapy appeals at Medway Maritime Hospital. News of the honour comes at the end of a year when Jack was rejected as a possible Olympic torchbearer despite a campaign by this paper with strong local support. Jack was also overall Pride in Medway champion in 2011.

Other Medway people to receive awards included ropemaking expert Fred Cordier, as been made an MBE. He has worked at Chatham Historic Dockyard's ropery since 1962.

Former Rochester Grammar School pupil Harriet Vine has been made an MBE.
Harriet, co-founder of the jewellery brand Tatty Devine, has been recognised for services to the fashion industry. along with her business partner Rosie Wolfenden. They set up the company in 1999 after meeting at art school. The pair said it was “incredibly exciting to be recognised for our achievements”.