A FOOTBALL coach who dribbled a ball 2,000 miles from Morocco to the Midlands in aid of St Giles Hospice has represented the West Midlands at the national Pride of Britain Awards.
James Lewis joined regional winners from across the country at the glitzy ceremony at Grosvenor House in London.
He was one of 17 finalists in contention for the overall Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year award.
The national award went to Barry Walden, 85, from Hull, who has spent 65 years raising money for local charities through his singing.
James earned his place after being named West Midlands Fundraiser of the Year in September.
The title recognised his 86-day challenge in memory of his father, who was cared for at St Giles Hospice when James was 11.
His JustGiving page now stands at £75,680 for the event, taking the lifetime total he has raised past £129,000 to make him the charity's biggest ever individual fundraiser.
James was joined at the Pride of Britain ceremony by Sam Colclough, events manager at St Giles Hospice, who has supported him throughout his fundraising.
He said:
"It was a fantastic night and one I’ll never forget. Congratulations to Barry and all the finalists.
"Hearing their stories was humbling – there are some remarkable people out there.
"I went to London representing the West Midlands, my dad and St Giles, and I’m proud I got to be there. The support from everyone back home has meant the world."
Sam said the evening was a special moment for everyone at the hospice:
"We had a fabulous night, and it was a privilege to be there alongside James. Seeing him on that red carpet after everything he went through over those 86 days was something none of us will forget.
"He’s done the Midlands proud, and everyone at St Giles is behind him for whatever he takes on next."
Elinor Eustace, Chief Executive of St Giles Hospice, said James had represented the region and the hospice brilliantly.
"Everyone at St Giles is so proud of James. To be one of the very best fundraisers in the country is a huge achievement. He has carried the West Midlands flag with real pride.
"What James has done for our hospice, the families we care for and the young people he’s now inspiring in schools goes far beyond any award.
"Congratulations to Barry and to all the finalists. It’s been a privilege to share this journey with James."
The Pride of Britain Awards will be shown on ITV1 and ITVX tomorrow (22nd October) at 8pm.
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