NEIGHBOURS were out in the street cheering on one Northwich family as they raised money for a charity close to their hearts.

The Lewis family have successfully completed their 2.6 Challenge, which saw nine-year-old James, eight-year-old Matthew and five-year-old Daniel run 10 laps of their street every morning under lockdown.

Starting on the day that the cancelled London Marathon was due to happen, April 26, the 2.6 Challenge aims to support charities badly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Lewis family chose to support CLIC Sargent cancer charity because of the amazing support it gave to a family close to them, and after running two miles a day for 13 days, they were able to raise more than £1,400.

“The boys started running laps every morning as lockdown began to get them motivated and ready to start the day,” said their mum, Mary Lewis.

“One of our neighbours said she would love to donate money as they were out every day and the idea took off from there.

“We know that charities are really affected by lockdown measures, with events like the London Marathon not being able to take place, so the boys decided to run their own marathon.

“The final run was very emotional as lots of the neighbours came out to clap and cheer and we have been overwhelmed by the amount of support they have had.

“The boys had a target of £250, so to raise over a £1000 has been fantastic, and I would like to say thank you so much to everybody who has donated to this fabulous charity.

“I am so proud of the boys and the commitment they have shown.”

Last year in Cheshire, CLIC Sargent supported 153 families, giving out financial grants to the value of £18,670 to help them cope with the costs of cancer.

Since the coronavirus outbreak, the charity has seen demand for its support from families increase dramatically, with its ability to raise money having been severely affected.

Joe Burns, CLIC Sargent’s fundraising engagement manager for Cheshire, said: “When cancer strikes young lives, we fight tirelessly to limit the damage it causes beyond their health.

“We rely entirely on charitable donations to fund our vital work and so we can’t thank the Lewis family enough for their fantastic efforts.

“This is especially true in the current crisis we find ourselves in thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Families of children with cancer need our help now more than ever, so the £1,400 and more that the family has raised will make a huge difference.”