James is pleading for public support as he prepares for his John O’Groats to Land’s End challenge

May 1, 2023

A super-fit fundraiser has issued an urgent plea for help as he prepares to embark on an energy-sapping John O’Groats to Land’s End challenge.

James Adams is taking on an epic 1,400km run from the most northern point in Scotland to the tip of Cornwall for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The strength and conditioning coach, from Newmarket, is taking on the challenge – the equivalent of nearly 34 marathons – in August and aims to complete his incredible feat in 12 to 15 days. He says that in terms of fitness and training, he feels in tip-top condition.

However, there is one “vital missing piece of the jigsaw” and he is desperate to hear from a business or individual who might be willing to lend him a motorhome.

“I’m pushing hard and, overall, things are going brilliantly on the sponsorship front,” he said. “However, there’s one outstanding problem in that I don’t have a motorhome.

“I’ve exhausted my contacts and while I had managed to secure one, the owners have now decided they want to sell it. It’s is a vital missing piece of the jigsaw and crucial to the whole challenge, because without one it’s not going to work.

“It’s been suggested I use hotels instead but aside from the fact it would be more expensive, it would also be a nightmare logistically. I need to be in a position where I rest up and start refuelling as soon as I finish running for the day – wherever that may be. If I’m bound by hotel locations, it might mean going back on myself or out of my way. It just won’t work and that’s why I’m desperate to find a motorhome that I can use for the duration of the trip, ideally as a free, very kind gesture.

“I’d be so grateful to hear from anyone who can help – either from a business or a member of the public who has a one and is happy to lend it out for a few weeks. I know it’s a big ask but I’m keeping my fingers crossed and hope to find a solution. The last thing I want is for this problem to potentially scupper my challenge. That would be heart-breaking, given the cause I’m supporting and the amount of money that’s already been donated.”

James would need the motorhome – which would be driven by a member of his support crew – for two and a half to three weeks and is hoping to get something sorted by the end of June.

The 28-year-old plans to run between 60km and 130km every day, depending on which part of the route he is on, and his support team will be ready and waiting to help him hydrate and eat.

He hopes others join him for individual legs of the journey – either running or cycling – and is no stranger to extraordinary challenges, having completed a 230km run through the Amazon Rainforest last June.

“There are so many other ways people can help and the most obvious one would be to take a look at my JustGiving page,” he said. “Any contribution, no matter how big or small, would make a real difference and be hugely appreciated. I’d also love to hear from anyone interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, to help cover the costs of my challenge and ensure every penny I raise goes directly to EACH. I’ve set up a range of packages – platinum, gold, silver and bronze – that are ideal ways to promote a brand to wide and varied audiences.”

As part of his preparations, James, a director of his own strength and conditioning company, XCompete, paid a visit to EACH’s hospice in Ipswich, The Treehouse. He spent time with a family and chatted to members of staff, including Care Manager Sacha Parry.

Parts of his trip were captured on camera and he has produced a promotional film, encouraging people to get behind him and show their support.