RUNNER Fraser Lewis has set himself the challenge of completing 19 marathons in 2019.

Fraser, 46, of Mile End, Colchester, started the new year by running 26.2 miles. Since then, he has completed nine of the 19 marathons for the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation and another charity.

Fraser said: “Originally the challenge was to do 12 marathons in 2019 but a friend said that 19 in 2019 sounded better. I scoffed at her but the seed had been planted.

“The point of the challenge was to do something different in 2019 which would also challenge my running abilities. Up until that point I had only completed eight marathons.The other was to raise funds for charity and from the outset I was clear that I wanted to help local charities rather than the larger players.

“I did some research and a friend had previously mentioned the foundation and the more I looked in to the work the foundation did the more I was convinced that this was a great choice.

“Several years ago my mum had breast cancer and knew how this impacted on our family and could see how the foundation was aligned with support for the family.”

The foundation, set up in memory of Tom, who died aged 19, aims to promote the care and rehabilitation of youngsters suffering from cancer and their families and promote research.

“In terms of training I am doing three or four runs per week with my long run (anything over 13 miles) being on a Sunday. I am having to manage my diet closely but not had to cut anything out yet!”

Fraser’s challenge has so far seen him run in Colchester as well as travelling to France and Edinburgh and Loch Ness.

He ran two marathons on the May bank holiday weekend, taking on May the Fourth Star Wars Marathon and Return of the Sixth Star Wars Marathon.

Fraser hopes to raise £1,500 and has so far reached £745. To sponsor Fraser, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Fraser Lewis.

Nikki Bowdidge, CEO and founder of the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation, said: “We are always amazed by the generosity of people who raise money for the Foundation. Fraser has given up so much of his time and we cannot thank him enough.

“We know he’s going to completely smash 19 marathons in 2019 and are cheering him on every step of the way.”