A schoolboy from Clayton-le-Moors is gearing up to run a full marathon this month after an encounter with a homeless man inspired him to raise money for charity.

Thomas Wilson is a Year 7 student at St Augustine’s and will take on his fourth running challenge over the course of this month to raise money for Crisis, a national charity aiming to eradicate homelessness across the country.

Although the charity’s Step Forward for Homelessness challenge is not running this year, the kind-hearted boy is still taking part in his own version of the challenge to donate money to the charity.

Thomas, 12, has taken part in the challenge since it launched in 2020 and has raised more than £2,500. He began this year’s marathon on March 1 and has been completing a run every day since.

Lancashire Telegraph: Thomas taking part in Step Forward for Homelessness challenge in 2020Thomas taking part in Step Forward for Homelessness challenge in 2020 (Image: Carly Eatough)

He said: “I started my first challenge after talking with Dean, a man experiencing homelessness, who we used to talk to every week outside our local supermarket in 2020 just before lockdown.

“He told us how he became homeless after his mum died and he no longer had anywhere to live.

"His story made me really sad and made me want to help other people like him and make a difference. 

“We didn't see him again after lockdown and I still wonder how he is doing and hope he's found a home.”

Crisis commended Thomas for his hard work when he was awarded the Young Fundraiser Award at the Crisis Awards ceremony in 2021.

Speaking about how proud she is of her son, Thomas’ mum, Clare, said: “The charity isn’t running the challenge this year, so the fact that he’s taken it on himself to continue raising funds and bringing awareness to homelessness is wonderful.

“He’s got such a kind heart and he really wants to make a different so I couldn’t be prouder of him.”

To support Thomas and donate to his fundraiser, click here.