James' Big Aim
James' Big Aim
James recently took a trip to Africa (by conventional means this time!) to see how Sport Relief cash can change lives forever. Here, in his own words, he talks about what he saw and why he now feels inspired to take on this huge challenge to raise money for Sport Relief.
"Going to Ethiopia was a harrowing, enlightening and an uplifting experience. The pride and community spirit of the people I met was enormous and seeing the number of people who give up so much of their time to help the vulnerable in their community was inspiring.
"Driving around the streets of Addis Ababa at five in the morning and seeing tiny bundles of clothes that are children sleeping in the streets hurt me. I have a son who is four years old - not much younger than some of those children who are out there on the streets – vulnerable and fending for themselves.
"I visited an amazing shelter that receives money raised through Sport Relief. They have a workshop which teaches these kids a trade and I even met some older children who have left their horrendous life on the streets behind them and are now employed in a trade – earning money and taking care of themselves.
"‘I saw that a small amount of money goes a long way – especially because these projects are run by people who know and understand the needs of those in trouble. There is a huge amount of work still to do though –and that, of course, takes money.
"The money raised does magic but there are still thousands of kids sleeping rough, alone on the streets of Addis Ababa.
"Sport Relief cash is helping street children in Ethiopia and across the world's poorest countries. It's also hard at work in the UK helping vulnerable people at home too.
"That's why I am doing this challenge – to raise as much money as I possibly can. I want to do whatever I can to help make a difference.
"When my journey gets tough, I'll think of the things I saw in Ethiopia and no matter how tired or weary I feel, I'll appreciate how lucky I am and that every pound I help to raise will have a huge affect on somebody's life."
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