Local man completes 430-mile run from the Eiffel Tower to Rugeley for St Giles Hospice
A 24-year-old man from Staffordshire has officially crossed the finish line of his remarkable challenge — running from Paris to Rugeley, in honour of the care his late father received at St Giles Hospice.
James Lewis ran more than 430 miles from the Eiffel Tower in Paris all the way to home to Rugeley, completing his most ambitious challenge yet and raising over £5,000 for St Giles Hospice.
Setting off on Thursday 31st July, James crossed two countries, pushing through physical exhaustion, mental fatigue, and unpredictable weather, finishing in an emotional homecoming at Webbs Estate Agents on Tuesday evening, who sponsored the challenge.
James’ father was cared for by St Giles Hospice in the final days of his life, when James was just 11 years old and ever since, James has been committed to giving back to the hospice.
James said: “I finished the challenge in Rugeley, however it was important to me to stop off at St Giles Hospice on the way there - and the volunteers and staff gave me a fantastic welcome.”
No stranger to pushing himself in the name of St Giles Hospice, James’ past fundraising efforts include a 24-hour blindfolded run and the Three Peaks Challenge. But this latest journey, he admits, has been the toughest by far.
James continued: “I’ve been averaging around 29-30 miles a day, so more than a marathon a day for the past 13 days. Every time I do these challenges, I learn new things – it’s a good way for me to understand my limits, learn lessons along the way and fundraise for a fantastic charity.”
Sam Colclough, Senior Events Officer at St Giles Hospice, said: “We’re just so incredibly proud of James. Watching him take on such an immense challenge with so much determination and heart has been nothing short of inspiring. It’s a true testament to his strength and character, and we’re all in absolute awe of what he’s doing.”
James has a fantastic amount so far, but donations are still open. Every contribution helps support the incredible work of St Giles Hospice.
