A Star Wars loving seven-year-old is running a marathon over ten days to raise money for Crisis, the national charity for homeless people.

Henry Cleary from Stoke Poges, Bucks, set himself the challenge to help people affected by the coronavirus pandemic by running 2.6 miles every day, without walking or stopping.

Henry said: “I was inspired by Captain Tom to take up a challenge that would be really, really tough. I researched charities on Google and found Crisis. They want to end homelessness and keep people off the streets after coronavirus and that’s exactly what I want to help them do.”

Henry’s dad, Jamie said: “I have run marathons in the past and since lockdown Henry and I have been running around the block together, so he got the bug. At first we tried to dissuade him from this massive challenge as we thought it might be too much for him, but he sent me an email outlining all the reasons we should let him do it and we were convinced! We will be making sure he eats sensibly and looks after his body.”

Henry’s mum, Emily added: “We are so proud of our amazing little boy. We know that he will put his heart and soul into achieving this goal and raising as much money as possible for Crisis.

“Henry has always been concerned about people sleeping rough and often gives food to people we pass on the street. He's a very caring boy and is always keen to help others. He has expressed an interest in helping out at a local soup kitchen once all this is over.”

Henry's biggest fan, little sister Beatrice will also be scooting along next to him and cheering him on.

Richard Lee, Crisis’ Fundraising Director said: “Henry sounds like a very caring and determined boy and we are incredibly grateful to him for taking on this challenge and raising funds for people who are homeless in the pandemic. Together, we can protect more people from the worst effects of the outbreak and make sure they are safely housed when it is over.”

 The money raised will go towards supporting the year-round services that Crisis provides to help people out of homelessness for good. This includes one-to-one support, education, training and help with housing, employment and health. 

Henry has already raised over £1,500 and you can boost this by sponsoring him here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/star-wars-fan