AN elite trampoline gymnast is switching sports, to take on the London Marathon in memory of his mum.

Lewis Bartlett, from Boscombe, was four years old when he lost his mum Claire to a brain haemorrhage and wants to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity, which offered support to him and his family.

The 26-year-old was an elite trampoline gymnast for 15 years, representing Great Britain at the Senior World Championships in 2014 and at the Japan Open in December of the same year. He was two times English champion in 2016 and 2017, and 2014 British Champion.

Lewis said: “It’s not a subject I have spoken particularly openly about before, other than with my close friends and family, however now is my opportunity to give something back to an incredible charity that helps so many people on a daily basis.

“It’s more prominent than ever in my life today with another of my close family members affected with a brain tumour over the past few months as well as one of our university friends of similar age.”

“Over the past few years the passion to take on the marathon has grown and this year is the first that I have been given the opportunity to undertake it."

The Brain Tumour Charity is the UK’s largest dedicated brain tumour charity, committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts. It funds pioneering research to increase survival and improve treatment options as well as raising awareness of the symptoms and effects of brain tumours to bring about earlier diagnosis.

The charity also provides support for everyone affected so that they can live as full a life as possible, with the best quality of life.

Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LewisBartlett1 to donate to the cause, or visit thebraintumourcharity.org/ to find out more about the charity.