Eight-Year-Old Runner, Nicknamed “Forrest Gump,” Raises Funds for Homeless

An eight-year-old boy from Glynneath has earned the moniker “Forrest Gump” due to his initiative, which has motivated others to participate in his running endeavor aimed at assisting homeless individuals. Lewys, who resides in the Neath Valley, stated he felt “sad” upon encountering a homeless man in Swansea, prompting his decision to undertake a daily mile run for 26 days to collect funds for organizations supporting the homeless. Lewys recounted, “He barely had any money in his cup, so we bought him a meal deal.” He added, “Seeing him made me feel sad. I felt like he was invisible.” Initially, Lewys’s goal was to accumulate sufficient funds to purchase an additional 10 meal deals. However, he has currently amassed enough to provide approximately 700 meal deals, as others have been inspired to participate alongside him – mirroring the character portrayed by Tom Hanks in the film, after whom he has been nicknamed. In addition to fellow runners, Welsh entertainer Max Boyce has also attended to offer encouragement. Lewys commented, “It’s been really good.” He further noted, “Some people have been calling me Forrest Gump because every day someone else joins the run.” Wayne, Lewys’s father, remarked that his son has transformed into “a little celebrity in the town,” while Rhian, Lewys’s mother, mentioned that he has been getting “amazing” support. She stated, “Every day I get messages from people wanting to know what time he’s running so they can join or show their support.” A portion of the funds raised by Lewys will contribute to the operations of Matthew’s House in Swansea, a charitable organization that offers sustenance and a secure environment for individuals requiring assistance. According to project manager Thom Lynch, the charity presently serves 129 people daily, representing a 29% rise compared to the previous year. Thom Lynch asserted, “Lewys is representing a nation of people who can make a difference.” He concluded, “We absolutely love it.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.