AN inspiring young boy has raised more than £1,000 for the homeless after running the equivalent of more than a marathon in one month - because "everyone needs houses to stay warm". 

Lucas Harvey, 6, of Colchester, is nearing the end of month-long challenge which has seen him pound the pavements for a mile everyday in March.

He came up with the idea to raise money for Shelter, a charity which campaigns for tenant rights in the UK.

Gazette: Pleased - Lucas, 6, happy after completing his runPleased - Lucas, 6, happy after completing his run (Image: Lindsey Harvey)

The organisation also runs a free emergency helpline offering urgent advice to homeless people, those who have nowhere to stay, or people who are at risk of harm or abuse in their home.

Lindsey Harvey, Lucas' mum, said: "Me and his dad, Conor, are so proud of Lucas. He has always been quite an empathetic little boy and asks many questions when he sees a homeless person.

"The fact he wants to help at such a young age makes us even prouder."

Gazette: Proud - Lindsey Harvey, 31, with her son, Lucas Proud - Lindsey Harvey, 31, with her son, Lucas (Image: Lindsey Harvey)

So far, Lucas has completed 29 miles. His final mile will be completed on Sunday, bringing his total distance to 31miles - more than a 26.2 mile marathon. 

Lucas said: "I want to run for the homeless because everyone needs houses to stay warm and not be ill.

"Maybe the money I raise can buy blankets and food to help them as well."

Gazette: Speed - Lucas running through his villageSpeed - Lucas running through his village (Image: Lindsey Harvey)

Lindsey, 31, added: "He even ran when he was off sick from school because in his words ‘homeless people have to live outside when they are ill mummy’."

His fastest mile was done in just over 12 minutes, while during some of his other runs he has captured Pokémon in Pokémon Go and took part in some parkour. 

Gazette: Exhausted - Lucas taking a breather from his one mile runExhausted - Lucas taking a breather from his one mile run (Image: Lindsey Harvey)

Lindsey added: "It was completely up to Lucas to do this. We’ve had to run alongside him every day - so trust me I wouldn’t have come up with the idea.

"He just wants to help and said that if people have money then share it with those that don’t. He does enjoy running so I think he thought it would be a fun thing to do."

To donate to Lucas' cause go to justgiving.com/page/lucasrunsmiles.