Fundraiser who has dribbled a football from Africa to England is almost home
A man is on course to become the first person ever to dribble a football from Africa to Staffordshire, with under 100 miles standing between him and the finish line.
James Lewis, 26, from Rugeley, set off from Marrakech on 1 May and has since dribbled a football more than 2,000 miles through Morocco, the entire length of Spain and the full length of France before crossing the Channel and returning to English soil. He is now in the final days of his challenge, passing through Tamworth before arriving at The Chase pub in Rugeley on Saturday 25 July.
Along the way James has faced challenges that would have stopped most people in their tracks. He has been chased by wild dogs, encountered wild boars, navigated a rock fall that blocked his route and melted a pair of shoes in 40 degree heat. He is now on his third football. But it is not just the physical obstacles that have defined his journey. The kindness of strangers has been overwhelming, from people stopping at the side of the road to hand him bottles of water and food, to couples in France who opened their homes to him each night, giving him a bed, a hot meal and clean clothes so he could continue his challenge the next morning. He has slept by roadsides and in churches, and kept going through it all, driven by one thing, the memory of his dad.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed either. Running shoe brand HOKA gifted James a brand new pair of trainers for the final leg of his journey home.
James has raised over £55,000 for St Giles Hospice in Staffordshire in memory of his father David, who was cared for at the hospice when James was just 11 years old. He is pushing towards his ultimate target of £100,000.
James said: “I can see the finish line now and I cannot quite believe I am nearly there. Passing through Tamworth and seeing familiar faces and places is going to be incredibly emotional. I have been dreaming about getting home for weeks and I cannot wait to walk through the doors at The Chase, put my feet up and see everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. But first I have got a few more miles to go and I am not stopping until I get there.”
Elinor Eustace, Chief Executive of St Giles Hospice, said: “We have watched James’s journey with the most enormous pride and admiration. Every single step he has taken has been driven by love for his dad and a desire to make a difference to the patients and families we care for at St Giles. As he enters these final few miles, we want him to know that every single one of us is cheering him home. We cannot wait to welcome him back to Staffordshire on Saturday.”
To follow James’s progress and donate, visit www.justgiving.com/page/jameslewis26 or follow @jameslewisruns on TikTok and Instagram or James Lewis on Facebook.
