Lewis Raises Money for Cherry Tree Support Servies at Leeds Marathon

This May, Lewis is taking part in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon to raise money for Cherry Tree Support Services after they helped him and his brother Tyler through a difficult time.

The brothers left home in 2020 after finding it increasingly difficult to live with their mother, and relied on various family members for places to stay over the next 18 months while in sixth form and college.

After living with their dad in temporary accommodation for a period, Lewis and Tyler were evicted, and faced real uncertainty about where they would go next. But this changed when they received a call from Cherry Tree Support Services offering them a room each in supported accommodation.

"Supported living gave us the ability to focus on our studies, while also developing essential life skills."

They stayed there until moving on to university, being the first people in their immediate family to do so.

"I never thought university would be possible for me, let alone the prospect of completing a master's degree next year, and that would not have happened without Cherry Tree. The staff were incredible, and we met people who genuinely cared about making a difference for young people struggling at home."

Lewis is running the Leeds Marathon to give back to Cherry Tree, and to highlight the life-changing impact they can have on young people in unstable home situations.

"Without their support at a crucial time, I would not be where I am today. By sharing my story on taking on this challenge, I hope to raise awareness and support so that Cherry Tree can continue providing safety, stability, and opportunity to others who need it most."