A 1,000-kilometer trek might seem difficult, but James Lee Valentine is up for the challenge. He is a living example of how having a sense of compassion, perseverance, and experience can significantly improve people’s lives.
Mr. Valentine, 59, has participated in numerous long charity walks. His most recent accomplishment, which was also his longest endeavor to date, involved a unique marathon trip between the tourist cities of Pattaya and Phuket.
The British expat pushed his stamina to the ultimate test in an effort to raise 1 million baht for Take Care Kids, a Pattaya-based children’s nonprofit.
It took me 1,050 kilometers to walk from Pattaya on the eastern seaboard to Phuket, an island province in the western Andaman Sea. On June 6, the 48-day hike came to an end.
A different charity walk that covered a considerably shorter 33km path from Pattaya to Jomtien Beach earlier this year served as a prelude to the expedition. It happened on February 14.
Instead of spending Valentine’s Day by candlelight, he decided to help the foundation’s foster children who are less fortunate.
He became aware of the plight of children living in abusive homes after visiting the organization prior to the charity walks. Many had been abused before being relocated in a safe environment.
Father of two himself, Mr. Valentine claimed he left the foundation that day inconsolable but vowed to do something to assist the kids.
From the Pattaya-Jomtien walk, Mr. Valentine raised 71,000 baht, which he donated to Take Care Kids.
