Outspoken teen Lewis Hine takes vow of silence for charity

Lewis Hine, founder of A World With Friends, is one of many teens from the charity taking part in the Virgin 2.6 Challenge – a replacement event for the London Marathon, which has been postponed.

On April 26, the 19-year-old from Havant will be doing a 26-hour sponsored silence, to raise money for his charity.

Lewis has experienced a number of health complications in his life, with 13 brain surgeries and a constant battle with seizures.

A World With Friends is a platform which connects people thousands of miles apart, many of whom have terminal or life-limiting illnesses, with a virtual world where they can go to music concerts or movie premieres together.

Lewis’ mother, Emma, said: ‘I think it’s such a lovely idea; we had a few runners registered for the London Marathon so that we can help other youngsters through this isolation period.

‘With this Virgin challenge, we can do pretty much anything we want as long as it’s connected to the 2.6 number, so everyone can get quite creative with it.

‘Lewis is doing his sponsored silence – he's very talkative so that’ll be a real test for him.’

Other teenagers associated with the charity will also be taking part in fundraising challenges.

Hope Farren, 18 from Gosport, has cystic fibrosis and will spend 2.6 hours in a bath of gunge with siblings Elise and Kaylum.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Megan Wilson from Waterlooville has autism and epilepsy; she will be performing 26 songs back to back.

Emma, who will be running 26 miles on her home treadmill, said: ‘All of these kids know what it's like to be in isolation – they've been doing it for huge parts of their lives.

‘This is an opportunity to share what they’re doing and it gives them something to laugh and smile about.’

The charity has also been sending out care packages, with more than 50 delivered so far – many of which have gone to people in the surrounding area.

To sponsor Lewis, go to virginmoneygiving.com/lewishine