A bereaved brother has been recognised for raising over £18,000 in memory of his younger sibling who was lost to Leukemia last year.

Jonathan Taffs, of Sawbridgeworth, came runner-up in Heart UK’s competition to look for the UK’s most inspiring charity champions after being nominated by his family.

The 20-year-old took part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon to generate funds for The Teenage Cancer who cared for his brother.

Jonathan said: “It was an extreme loss to us all and we wanted to give something back to the Teenage Cancer Trust for their support.”

Josh was diagnosed with Leukemia four months prior to the race and died in October 2012 after a stem cell transplant from Jonathan failed to halt the cancer.

Following his inaugural run Jonathan was offered a place at this year’s London Marathon where he struggled over the line.

He said: “I collapsed at mile 26, but determined I carried on to cross the finish line in memory of Josh.”

Heart UK, who work with cholesterol related conditions, awarded Jonathan with £20 of Welch’s Grape Juice vouchers with the winner receiving £1,000 for the charity of their choice.

The cholesterol charity’s Chief Executive, Jules Payne, said: “We had so many deserving applicants all with different inspiring stories to tell.”