When associate electrical engineer Jak Lewis, 33, takes to the track at Silverstone on Saturday 23rd November, he won’t be in a sports car. He’ll be running, and donating £1 for every metre he covers.
Jak has set himself a 2,210-metre fundraising challenge (a pound per metre) and hopes to raise £2,210 for The Hummingbird Centre, the Bicester-based charity that supports people living with cancer and their families.
“When Mum was diagnosed with cancer I felt helpless,” says Jak. “A friend suggested running to clear my head. At first I ran without a goal, but when I joined Ridge and Partners in Woodstock and learned their charity of the year is The Hummingbird Centre, and then got a place for the Silverstone event, everything clicked.”
Jak’s mother Jane Lewis, from Milcombe near Banbury, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. After surgery and chemotherapy she has fully recovered, and will be cheering from the pit wall on race day.
Jak, a keen gym-goer but new to running, started when a friend suggested using running as a way of getting rid of anxious energy while his mum recovered. Running for the Hummingbird Centre gave that a purpose.
Jak has squeezed training around a busy work and home life. His longest run to date is 16km, so the half marathon distance of 21km will be a challenge so all support will be grateful received.
“This run isn’t just about me, it’s about everyone in my life. When I glance at my watch and see the distance, I’ll know how much we’ve raised together and that’ll keep me moving. As an F1 fan, getting to run on the famous circuit is a dream.”
Donate: Support Jak to hit his target by donating on JustGiving.
Know someone fundraising locally? Tell us at the Oxfordshire Guardian and we’ll help share their story.
About The Hummingbird Centre (Bicester)
Founded in 2014 by Mechelle Harris in memory of her father, The Hummingbird Centre provides free practical and emotional support for anyone affected by cancer across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. The centre is 100% funded by donations and volunteers.
What they offer
- Counselling, therapies and wellbeing activities
- Children’s services
- A Lymphoedema Clinic
- A welcoming community space for guests and families
Opening hours: Tue–Fri, 10am–4pm.
More information: thehummingbirdcentre.org.uk
About RunFest at Silverstone (23 November 2025)
Run the iconic British Grand Prix circuit. Runners of all abilities get to step onto the famous tarmac and tick off corners such as Copse, Vale and Hangar Straight. The atmosphere is festival-like and inclusive, from PB-chasers to first-timers and families.
Status: 2025 race entries are sold out. Spectator tickets are still available.
Distances on offer
| Run | Distance | Chip timing | Minimum age | 2025 Entry price* |
| Half Marathon | 21 km | Yes | 17+ | £53 (UKA-affiliated) / £55 (non-affiliated) |
| 10K | 10 km | Yes | 15+ | £45 (UKA-affiliated) / £47 (non-affiliated) |
| 5K | 5 km | Yes | 11+ | £37 (UKA-affiliated) / £39 (non-affiliated) |
| Silverstone Mile (Family) | 1.6 km | No | 4+ | £17 |
*Prices listed by the organiser for 2025.
Good to know
- Who it’s for: Everyone, seasoned runners, casual joggers and walkers.
- Course: Closed-road, smooth GP circuit with big-event atmosphere.
- Families welcome: The Silverstone Mile is traffic-free and designed for all ages and abilities.
- Plan ahead: Check the organiser’s event pack for your start wave, travel advice and on-the-day logistics.
