Meet Hartlepool's very own nine-year-old super fundraiser

Lewin Tubuna was setting off today to cycle 150 miles across the country to support Alice House Hospice.

Lewin’s original aim was to raise £2,500 by completing a coast to coast ride from Whitehaven in Cumbria to Hartlepool.

But hospice community fundraiser Janice Forbes said the youngster was already ahead of his fundraising target with £2,882 pledged so far.

Janice added: “Lewin is a remarkable young man and an inspirational young person. We are all very proud of him.”

Lewin is no stranger to supporting worthy causes.

Two years ago, he raised money for the town’s Miles for Men charity by doing a sponsored 10-mile bike ride on his eighth birthday. Just last year he took part in a mini-triathlon for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

Now, on his latest event, he and his dad Suli were all set to start their journey today, and hopefully complete the challenge on Friday, which is also Lewin’s 10th birthday.

Janice said: “We want to wish Lewin all the best. This challenge would be hard enough for an adult to complete but for a nine-year-old to do it is remarkable.”

On his fundraising page on the website Every Day Hero Lewin said: “This will be my 3rd and biggest charity event that I have taken part in.”

He added about the hospice: “They have helped and supported a lot of families, and I want to be able to make a contribution to help them to continue to support families that need it.”

Lots of people have already sponsored Lewin via his fundraising page, and many have left messages of support such as “our super cycling hero!”, and “You are doing an amazing selfless thing.”

His mum Lynsey said: “There is excitement and nerves but Lewin and his dad have put in the miles in training.

“They have done up to 50 miles at a time and Lewin is all geared up for this.”

As well as Lewin and Suli, six other riders are taking on the challenge including other relatives.

To sponsor Lewin, visit https://hartlepoolhospice-fundraiser.everydayhero.com/uk/lewin-tubuna