Home educated Midhurst boy, 10, to cover distance of four marathons in lockdown for adoption charity

Many of the groups Lucas attends will be cancelled during the four-week lockdown.

In a bid to a combat his mental health difficulties and support a charity close to his family’s heart — Adoption UK — the Midhurst youngster is going to run, walk and cycle the equivalent of four marathons (100 miles).

Mum Cara Lester-Smith said: “Lucas is adopted and often struggles with this time of year anyway. Most of the groups he attends will stop but he will wave his teacher dad and [two] siblings off to school as normal.”

Cara said home-schooling Lucas was the ‘best decision we could have made’ when he ‘wasn’t surviving’ at mainstream school.

However, being stuck at home during lockdown is ‘completely different’, Cara explained.

She said: “Our day to life means we’re out and about, doing practical things with different people and groups.

“Lockdown did affect him. It’s had a massive impact.”

Cara said Lucas has ‘always wanted to be an explorer’ and suggested the idea of a themed challenge.

“In the past his mental health has suffered [so] we hope that we can combat this challenging time by exercising and additionally him raising money for a charity that is close to his heart,” she said. “This seemed something which was challenging but something he could achieve.

“He just says he wants to help other people that are like him. It’s absolutely amazing.”

According to Adoption UK, Covid-19 is ‘affecting all of our daily lives’ but adoptive families have ‘extra challenges to face’.

A spokesperson added: “Adoption UK is working hard to change ways of working to support families during this difficult time.

“Any donations will go directly towards our efforts to ensure families have the help and resources they need, online or over the phone.

“Your support at this critical time is extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. Every donation no matter how small really does make a difference.”

So far, Lucas has raised nearly £1,000. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Cara-Lester-Smith.

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