Lab's Steve Radjen Aims to Run 21 Marathons in 21 Days for Charity

Steve Radjen, Head of Digital Planning at independent digital agency Lab, is to run 21 marathons in 21 days in an effort to raise money for Naomi House and Jacksplace, hospices for children and young people.

Radjen will run the 21 marathons on 21 consecutive days, starting on Sunday 9th September in the New Forest. Other locations will include the Isle of Wight, Surrey and Berkshire.

He aims to raise £100,000 for Naomi House and Jacksplace hospices, which provide expert hospice care to more than 325 life-limited and life-threatened children, young people and their extended families. To deliver their services, they need to raise £8.5m every year.

Radjen has chosen to run 21 marathons in order to recognise the 21 years that Naomi House has been supporting children and their families. He has supported Naomi House and Jacksplace for the last 15 years, previously completing a number of other running challenges for them, including the Marathon Des Sables in 2012 and the Centurion 100 in 2014.

The 21 in 21 challenge will be sponsored by industry friends Digital Doughnut, the digital community, and Podge Events, the people behind the famous Podge lunches.

John Horsley, Founder and Chairman of Digital Doughnut, has agreed to shave off varying amounts of his hair, depending on the amount of money Radjen raises for the challenge. If he manages to raise £5,000, Horsley will shave his head. If he raises £10,000, Horsley will also shave his beard off. If he raises £20,000, he will have a ‘back, sack and crack’ wax, and if Radjen raises £40,000, Horsley will shave his eyebrows off.

Several of Lab’s staff will support Radjen on his challenge by running some of the marathons with him and raising money, including Tom Head, Director and Co-Founder; Rachel Howe, Finance Director; Daryll Scott, Director of Human Technology; Andy Mason, General Manager; and Matt Lloyd, Digital Planner.

Supporters can donate money to Radjen’s challenge via his fundraising page, and can follow his progress on Lab’s Twitter and LinkedIn channels.

Steve Radjen, Digital Planning Director, Lab, said: “People always ask ‘why take on this challenge?’. The answer is simple. Since my first visit to Naomi House back in 2004, I have been inspired by the amazing work they do for the children and families they serve. I have a strong belief that we all have a responsibility as fellow humans to help and support others who are not so fortunate. When I’m struggling as I complete the challenge, I will just think of the children and families that Naomi House and Jacksplace support, and what they are going through.”

John Horsley, Founder and Chairman, Digital Doughnut, said: “When I heard about Steve’s incredible challenge, I knew that I had to get involved. Back in November, I made a pledge not to cut my hair until the challenge was complete, and I’ve been growing it ever since!”

Phil Jones, Founder, Podge Events, said: “We’re really proud to be supporting Steve as he takes on this huge challenge for such a worthy cause.