When Jak Lewis takes to the track at Silverstone he won’t be driving a flash sports car – instead he’ll be using his body, raising £1 for every metre he runs.
In total, associate electrical engineer Jak, 33, will run 2210m – the length of the RunFest half marathon circuit at Silverstone on November 23, and hopes to raise £2210.
As he runs, he will have one eye on his watch – counting the pounds he’s raising for Bicester-based cancer support centre The Hummingbird Centre, and another looking out for his mum, who inspired him to take part.
Last year, Jak’s life was turned upside down after his mum Jane Lewis, who lives in Milcombe, near Banbury, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully Jane, who underwent surgery and chemotherapy, is now fully recovered and will be cheering him on from the sidelines.
At the time, he was left reeling and a friend suggested using running as a way of getting rid of anxious energy. Initially he ran “without a real purpose”, then three things happened.
He started a new job with Ridge and Partners LLP, in Woodstock; he found out about their charity of the year – The Hummingbird Centre; and got a place at the RunFest event at Silverstone race track.
He said: “When mum was diagnosed with cancer, I found it really hard because I couldn’t do anything to help her. That played on my mind. It felt quite overwhelming, and I was recommended by a friend to do cardio exercise; to run and take my mind off the situation. Initially I was running with no purpose. I’m a constant gym goer, always lifting weights and keeping active, but I’ve never been a runner.”
Everything came together when he decided to get a place at the RunFest event at Silverstone racetrack as a way to raise money for The Hummingbird Centre, who do such great work supporting people who have cancer and their families.
Jak, who lives near Bicester, added: “This run is not just about me it’s about everybody in my life. I don’t know how the money will be used, but I do know it will be helping people who are going through a really tough time.
“With a busy work and home life, I’ve only managed to be able to training for few months and so far, the longest run I’ve done is 16k. I know on the day, when I look at my watch and see that number, I know I’ve raised £1600 and I need to keep going.
“I am excited to run around Silverstone – I loved Formula 1 and always make sure I watch it on TV, so to run around that track is going to be a fantastic experience.”
To make a donation or sponsor Jak view Just Giving
Story written by Sam Mcgregor sjmcgregor2017@gmail.com