A kind-hearted schoolboy who was moved by the plight of a homeless man outside a supermarket, has launched another fundraising mission.
Thomas Wilson, 10, will be running a full marathon over the month of March to raise more money for the homeless after the inspiring encounter with the rough sleeper in March 2020.
Last year, the St Mary's RC Primary School pupil from Sabden, met a man called Dean outside a supermarket while out shopping with mum, Clare.
They spoke with Dean every time they went shopping and even provided him with food and coffee.
Dean's story about how he came to be on the streets inspired Thomas to run a half-marathon to raise funds for homeless charity Crisis.
And this year he's going one step further and is planning to run a whole marathon to continue his mission to combat homelessness.
Thomas said: "I took part in the Step Forward for Homelessness challenge last year after me and my mum met a homeless man called Dean who we used to talk to every week.
"I wanted to do something to help people like him so we found the challenge online.
"I raised over £1,000 and even spoke on the radio about it."
He said that since the coronavirus pandemic hit, he hadn't seen Dean but thought about him all the time.
He continued: "I think about how Dean is doing lots and hope he has been ok in the pandemic.
"I wanted to take part again to raise more money for Crisis, and this year I have doubled my target distance to do a full marathon distance over this month.
"I've already got started and am really happy to take part again."
Thomas' mum, Clare said: "I'm so proud that Thomas wanted to do this challenge again, he's so big hearted and determined.
"We hope that he not only raises lots of money for the charity but raises awareness of the issues surrounding homelessness too."
Thomas completed his first mile on Tuesday and has so far raised £234, smashing his original target of £150.
To support Thomas and donate, visit: stepforward.crisis.org.uk
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