A neurodivergent teacher is getting ready to tackle seven marathon-length runs in seven days across the UK and Channel Islands later this year to raise money for charity and help inspire other neurodiverse young people.
James Hadley-Piggin will be taking on runs in England, Wales, Guernsey, Sark, and Jersey between 18 and 24 August, fundraising for AllMatters Neurodiverse – which aims to promote understanding and awareness of neurodiversity in the island.
His online fundraiser has so far raised around £700 of its £2,000 target.
James, who is an English teacher at De La Salle College and has dyspraxia – a developmental co-ordination disorder – explained that some of the runs would follow official marathon routes, while others were being mapped out from scratch.
The islander’s fitness regime is intense, comprising specific strength training sessions, crossfit, sea swimming and training runs.
Fortunately, James is no stranger to endurance events, with his previous experience encompassing multiple marathons and triathlons – including the Round the Rock Ultra Marathon.
“It’s been my vision and goal to do something like this for the last two years,” he told Express.
“Obviously I’ve never done anything of this scale,” he continued, explaining that he hoped the endeavour – which he will be documenting with the help of a local filmmaker – will also inspire others.
“I’ve said I would do it and put my all into it,” added James.
“Never stop believing.”
DONATE…
Islanders can donate to James’s fundraiser here.