Local hero's epic 50 half-marathon challenge nears its finish in Torbay

A Newton Abbot man is in the final stages of a gruelling year-long fundraising challenge to support young people who have experienced childhood trauma.

Alex Lyons, 49, is set to complete his 50th and final half-marathon at the Torbay Half Marathon on Sunday 21 September, bringing his 50@50 Challenge to a close.

To mark his 50th birthday, Alex set out to run 50 half-marathons in 50 weeks, covering more than 650 miles and aiming to raise £10,000 for Life Chance Trust, a local charity that supports vulnerable 16–25 year olds.

“It’s been so much tougher than I ever imagined,” Alex said. “There were weeks when I could barely walk, let alone run — but I kept going because I know why I’m doing it. Every mile I’ve run has been for the young people whose lives we’re trying to change. Seeing their strength despite huge challenges has been my motivation to keep putting one foot in front of the other.”

Alex is not only the charity’s Treasurer but also a volunteer mentor, supporting young people like 18-year-old ‘K’, who had been out of education for three years and was at risk of criminal activity. With Alex’s support, K rebuilt his confidence, began volunteering, and is now preparing for college.

Life Chance Trust also works with young people like Charly, who struggled with mental health and anxiety around public transport. With the charity’s mentoring, she has learned coping strategies and built the confidence to travel independently.

“Working with Life Chance Trust has shown me that small acts of support can transform a life,” Alex explained. “But to keep that work going, we desperately need funds. I hope this challenge not only raises money but also raises awareness of the young people we’re here to help.”

The charity’s spokesperson Hannah Moon added: “Every pound raised goes towards giving these young people a chance. Alex has shown such commitment, and now we’re calling on the community to help him cross the finish line — not just of his running challenge, but of his fundraising goal. Together, we can change lives.”

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Alex’s challenge — 50 half-marathons in 50 weeks — is the equivalent of running from Newton Abbot to Paris. He has trained in all weathers, often before or after work, while juggling family life and injuries. Along the way he has been joined by friends, colleagues and supporters, but he is still a considerable way off his £10,000 target.

He is now appealing for final support, whether through donations, joining him on his last run, or simply cheering him on.

The fundraising total will directly fund mentoring and life skills support for 50 young people across Devon.

Donations can be made via https://www.lifechancetrust.org.uk/.