A young engineer who works in Haverhill said he is excited and ready to take on a mammoth challenge of running 2025 miles in 2025.
Lewis Raymond, 21, works at LMK Thermosafe at Moonhall Business Park and has been inspired by the good relationship the business has with Haverhill-based Reach Community Projects after he met the charity’s CEO Henry Wilson.
Lewis, who is a keen runner and lives in Great Cornard, near Sudbury, will be aiming to run a total of 2025 miles next year, starting from January 1.
Lewis Raymond with Reach Community Projects CEO Henry Wilson
The distance equates to 77 marathons.
“Running is a big passion of mine and I’ve been a big fan of what Reach do, so it was actually a really easy decision to combine the two things,” Lewis said.
“They do brilliant work and I was pointed in their direction through work so I was lucky enough to talk to Mr Wilson and it was nice to learn and hear things from him.
Lewis will aim to run a total of 2025 miles next year
“I am honestly very excited about the challenge though. I will say I am a little bit nervous as it is tough, but I feel ready for it.
“I want to push myself to see how far I can go. It’s my first time combining my passion with something so much bigger.”
Lewis has received £110 on his JustGiving page and hr aims to raise £1,000 for Reach – who help families and individuals who are suffering from or struggling with the effects of financial crisis or hardship.
He is confident he can complete the 2025 mile challenge next year following his experiences of running a number of 10ks, as well as three marathons and an ultra-marathon.
“It might sound a bit silly, but I’ve broken it down in my head and I know I can do it and I just hope to raise a lot of money by doing something I enjoy and that’s going to help people,” Lewis said.
“I can’t wait to see how the funds are used and how people will be directly affected.”
Lewis expressed his gratitude to his mum Charmaine, his dad Steve and his sister Lauren for all their support.
“I do want to say a big thank you to my family for being so amazing,” he said.
“They’ve had to wait out in the cold and rain or give me food and drink and just been bored for hours while I have done runs before.
“Yet they have still shown enthusiasm for what I’m doing, time after time, and I’m very grateful for them.”