A Newton Abbot resident is preparing to complete a gruelling challenge of running 50 half marathons in 50 weeks to mark his 50th birthday while raising £10,000 for the Life Chance Trust.

Alex Lyons, a trustee, treasurer and mentor at Newton Abbot-based Life Chance Trust, is due to run his final 13.1 miles next Sunday, September 21, at the Torbay Half Marathon.

Alex has juggled full-time work, family life, injuries, and the unpredictable British weather—all while pounding the streets of Devon, week in and week out, in his now-familiar orange Life Chance Trust t-shirt.

Over the challenge, which Alex dubbed 50@50, he will have run more than 650 miles in less than a year - the equivalent of running from Newton Abbot to Paris.

‘This challenge has been so much tougher than I ever imagined,’ Alex admitted. ‘There were weeks when I could barely walk, let alone run. But I kept going because I know why I’m doing it,’ he continued. ‘Every mile I’ve run has been for the young people whose lives we’re trying to change. Seeing their strength despite huge challenges has been my motivation to keep putting one foot in front of the other.’

Alex isn’t just raising money, he’s also deeply involved in Life Chance Trust. As both the charity’s Treasurer and a volunteer mentor, he sees firsthand how vital its work is.

As a Life Chance Trust mentor, Alex has helped numerous young people who have experienced trauma to rebuild their confidence, develop life skills and move towards a safe, healthy and independent future.

One young person, K, had been out of education for three years and had become involved in criminal activity. However, after meeting Alex, he turned his life around. Alex and K spent time visiting construction stores, volunteering for T.H.A.T food bank and cycling at Haldon. Alex supported K to transition to Eat That Frog and K he now attends college independently and is keen to do more volunteering. Thanks to Alex’s mentoring, K has also started a Saturday club with Sound Communities to further develop his love of music.

‘Working with Life Chance Trust has shown me that small acts of support can transform a life,’ Alex explained. ‘But to keep that work going, we desperately need funds. I hope that this challenge not only raises money but also raises awareness of the young people we’re here to help.’

Alex still needs support to reach his £10,000 fundraising target which will directly fund mentoring and life skills support for 50 young people across Devon—offering them the guidance and encouragement that many have never had before.

‘Every pound raised goes towards giving these young people a chance,’ said Life Chance Trust chief executive Hannah Moon. ‘Alex has shown such commitment, now we’re calling on the community to help him cross the finish line – not just of his running challenge, but of his fundraising goal. Together we can change lives.’

To lend Alex your support, you can donate to his fundraiser via his Just Giving Page https://www.justgiving.com/page/alex-lyons-1730724810335 or cheer him on in his last run at Torbay Half Marathon.