Staffordshire teaching assistant James completes challenge to help NSPCC
A Staffordshire teaching assistant has completed a lung-busting challenge for a charity close to his heart.
James Lake has run 300 kilometres in just one month to run funds for the NSPCC, averaging more than eights miles a day throughout June.
The 25-year from Stafford said he had taken on the challenge to help vulnerable children, having worked with many of them at special schools in Cannock.
He said: "I did a lot of work with children with clinical mental health difficulties at schools around Cannock and found there as many at my new school Redhill Primary School.
"With lockdown, I also saw the number of domestic abuse incidents going up for children, so as I had a lot of spare time on my hands, I decided to go out and do something.
"My legs are very sore right now, but I really feel good for doing it and very proud as well."
James has been through his own challenges through childhood, suffering from ADHD, dyspraxia and dyslexia, but he confounded expectations to achieve a 2:2 in Physical Education at Edge Hill University.
He said: "I've been able to work with my limitations and make something out of it, including going to university and getting my degree.
"I did ok at school, nothing great, and people said I wouldn't go to college or I wouldn't get into university, but I managed to overcome all that."
James also hopes he can be an inspiration to children going through the same issues he had gone through.
He said: "I certainly hope I can help more children who are struggling like I did and help them see that they're capable of doing so much with their lives.
"Children with CMH difficulties have not had the best upbringing themselves, but I've addressed that with them and tried to help them move forwards."
James has keep his Go Fund Me page open for more people to donate to the appeal, which had a target of £250, but is currently more than £450.
To find out more and to donate, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/james-lake95
