A Wolverhampton bricklayer is preparing to take on an ambitious endurance challenge in support of Compton Care, raising funds for a charity he believes plays a vital role in the local community.

Wulfrunian Lewis Crawford will take on a mammoth challenge of running 31 marathons in 31 days.

Having spent more than a decade supporting a variety of charitable causes, he decided it was time to focus his efforts on an organisation that has touched the lives of so many people across the city.

I’ve done a lot of charity work over the last 10 years for different causes and different people,” he said. “But this time I really wanted to give back to something that’s important to the local community – Compton Care.

“Being from Wolverhampton, I’ve seen how many people share stories about Compton and how many families they’ve helped. I’ve had family members who have been supported too, so it just felt like a more than worthy cause. I wanted to do something for them.

The challenge will see him cover a significant distance throughout October, fitting the miles around a demanding full-time job in construction and family life.

Rather than completing the distances in one go, he plans to break them into manageable sections across each day.

“I’m a bricklayer, so I already have a pretty physical job,” he explained. “The plan is to split the distance throughout the day. I’ll get up early and do some miles before work, then maybe fit in a 5K during my lunch break, and finish more when I get home.

“I’ve told myself it’s OK to walk a bit if I need too. The important thing is getting the distance completed every day and staying healthy while doing it.”

One of the biggest challenges, he admits, won’t necessarily be the running itself.

“The time commitment is massive. If I left everything until after work, I wouldn’t see my wife or kids for a month! So, it’s all about finding a balance and making it work around family life as well.”

As part of his fundraising journey, Lewis has also signed up for the Compton Half Marathon, which takes place just before his challenge month, on the 27 September.

“I’ve signed up for it and I’m definitely doing it,” he said. “It’ll fit in perfectly with what I’m already doing … a good warm up!”

With determination, community spirit and a demanding schedule to navigate, Lewis is hoping his efforts will not only raise vital funds but also shine a spotlight on the invaluable work Compton Care carries out for local families every day.

Feeling inspired? Find out more about taking part in the Compton Half.