An eight-year-old boy from Neath has been dubbed “Wales’ Forest Gump” after embarking on a 26-day challenge to raise funds for the homeless. Lewys Atwood felt compelled to take on the challenge after encountering a homeless man during a shopping trip to Swansea. The sight of the man, sitting with his dog, spurred Lewys into action as he witnessed the man’s struggle to even collect spare change. Touched by the man’s plight, Lewys insisted on buying him a meal deal and was determined to do more to help the homeless community.
Moved by his encounter, Lewys expressed his desire to do something meaningful to support those in need. With the help of his mother, Rhian Atwood, Lewys decided to run a mile every day to raise money for the homeless. A JustGiving page was set up, and to date, the young boy has raised approximately £3,700 for the cause – equivalent to nearly 1,100 meal deals. The community rallied behind Lewys, showing immense support for his selfless initiative.
Speaking about his motivation for the challenge, Lewys shared, “I felt really sad for him but I felt like he was invisible. So we bought him a meal deal, and we thought of running a mile for 26 days for the homeless. I want more people to help the homeless.” The local community, including Lewys’ friends and sports teams, joined forces to support him in his endeavour. Even Welsh comedy legend Max Boyce met Lewys during his runs and lauded his efforts.
Rhian Atwood expressed overwhelming pride in her son’s accomplishments and the community’s unwavering support. She reflected on how the challenge, initially a modest endeavour aiming to raise funds for ten meal deals, had blossomed into a significant fundraising campaign, exceeding expectations. The funds raised by Lewys will benefit two charities, Matt’s Cafe in Swansea, and Providing for the Homeless and Less Fortunate in Merthyr Tydfil.
Moreover, Lewys’ commitment to the cause not only raised substantial funds but also increased his awareness and empathy towards homelessness. His mother noted that the challenge had a profound impact on Lewys, fostering a deeper understanding of societal issues and inspiring him to continue helping those in need. The unexpected success of Lewys’ initiative stands as a testament to the power of community support and the compassion of one young boy determined to make a difference.
As the challenge came to a close, Lewys was honoured by the local rugby club, where he received a guard of honour for his remarkable achievement. The heartwarming story of Lewys Atwood, the boy who ran for the homeless, serves as a shining example of how individual acts of kindness can resonate within a community, igniting a spirit of generosity and unity in support of those less fortunate. Lewys’ compassionate spirit and determination have not only raised significant funds but also inspired others to join him in making a positive impact on the lives of the homeless.