Epic challenge for Alex Lyons’ fundraiser for Life Chance Trust
The end is in sight for Newton Abbot resident Alex Lyons, who’s closing in on the finale of a gruelling year-long challenge: running 50 half-marathons in 50 weeks to mark his 50th birthday.
His goal? To raise thousands of pounds for the local charity Life Chance Trust.
Alex’s 50th and final run will take place at the Torbay Half Marathon on Sunday, 21st September 2025.
It’ll mark the end of an epic journey to support vulnerable 16 – 25 year olds. Alex is a volunteer mentor.
His aim began as a thought about how to mark his 50th birthday. It’s since grown into something far bigger: a test of resilience, commitment, and tenacity.
Alex is juggling full-time work, family life, injuries (and the weather) to continue to pound the streets of Devon. He’s become a familiar sight in the county with his orange Life Chance Trust T-shirt.
‘This challenge has been so much tougher than I ever imagined,’ says Alex. ‘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.’
‘Small acts of support can transform a life’
Alex isn’t just raising money, he’s also deeply involved in Life Chance Trust. As both the charity’s Treasurer and a volunteer mentor, he sees firsthand how vital its work is.
The charity supports vulnerable 16–25 year olds who’ve experienced childhood trauma. It helps them to rebuild their confidence and develop life skills. The goal is to assist them in moving towards a safe, healthy and independent future.
‘Working with Life Chance Trust has shown me that small acts of support can transform a life,’ says Alex.
‘But to keep that work going, we desperately need funds. I hope that this challenge not only raises money, but also raises awareness of the young people we’re here to help.’
Alex dubbed the challenge 50@50. For nearly a year, he has been a regular sight in Newton Abbot and across South Devon. Training’s encompassed early starts and late finishes – in all types of weather.
He’s run an half-marathon (which measures to 13.1 miles) every single week for the past 50 weeks.
The challenge sees him running more than 650 miles in under a year – that’s the equivalent of running from Newton Abbot to Paris.
Along the way, friends, colleagues, and strangers have joined him on training runs, cheered him at finish lines and they’ve also generously donated towards his goal of raising £10,000.
‘Together, we can change lives’
The money will go directly into funding mentoring and life skills for 50 young people across Devon which’ll offer them the guidance and encouragement that many have never had before.
‘Every pound raised goes towards giving these young people a chance,’ explains Hannah Moon from Life Chance Trust.
‘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.’
Breaktime News has previously reported on runners who make a positive difference for charity.
