A FOOTBALL coach has moved a step closer to completing a challenge in aid of St Giles Hospice.
James Lewis is aiming to dribble a football from Marrakech to the Midlands – and his efforts have already netted more than £23,000 for the Whittington charity.
The 26-year-old has now completed his journey through Spain and is heading through France as part of his bid to make it home on the day of the World Cup Final.
The challenge has seen him cover 30 miles a day solo, braving soaring temperatures as well as dealing with wild dogs and boars.
James is doing it all in memory of his father, David Lewis, who was cared for at St Giles Hospice.
"Reaching France feels like a massive moment.
"The last few days have been brutal, running in 40 degrees of heat with a football at my feet and a 15kg pack on my back.
"But I think of my dad and I keep going. I am not stopping until I am home."
James has previously run from Paris to Rugeley in aid of the charity and completed a blindfolded running challenge, raising more than £55,000 for the hospice in total.
But this challenge is his most ambitious yet.
Elinor Eustace, chief executive of St Giles Hospice, said:
"James reaching France is a truly momentous milestone. He is now on the home straight.
"Every single one of the almost 1,000 people who have donated should feel incredibly proud. We cannot wait to see him home."
People can follow James' progress and donate via www.justgiving.com/page/jameslewis26.
