AN intrepid fundraiser is well on his way to netting vital funds for St Giles Hospice.
James Lewis is attempting to dribble a football more than 2,000 miles from Africa to Staffordshire.
The 26-year-old set off at the start of the month from Marrakech, covering more than 300 miles through Morocco in his first ten days.
The route will take the football coach by ferry to Spain via Gibraltar and then on to France and back into England – with the aim of getting home for the World Cup final on 19th July.
James, who was just 11 when he lost his father David, said the care his dad received at St Giles Hospice had inspired him to begin fundraising. In the last three years, he has raised more than £55,000.
But he hopes to smash that figure by raising £100,000 from his latest adventure.
James said:
“It is going really well. It is hot all day and everyday though so I’m having to be careful to protect myself from sunburn.
“The days are very long and I’m running for about ten hours a day, so there is little time to relax.
“It is an exhausting challenge but I’m on schedule. Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far.”
Elinor Eustace, chief executive of St Giles Hospice, said:
“James is an inspiration to us all. What he is taking on is extraordinary, and the fact that he is doing it in memory of his father, who was cared for at St Giles, makes it all the more meaningful.
“We are so grateful for his dedication and we will be cheering him on every single step of the way.”
To follow his progress and donate, visit www.justgiving.com/page/jameslewis26.
