13-6-2023 (BANGKOK) James Lee Valentine, a 59-year-old British expat, has once again embarked on a remarkable journey to raise funds for a children’s foundation. This time, he took on his longest challenge yet, walking a staggering 1,050 kilometres from Pattaya to Phuket, two cities that hold special meaning for him.
Motivated by his desire to raise 1 million baht (S$38,800) for the Take Care Kids foundation, based in Pattaya, Mr Valentine pushed his physical limits to accomplish this extraordinary feat. After a grueling 48-day walk, he successfully completed his journey on June 6.
Earlier this year, Mr Valentine had already undertaken a charity walk from Pattaya to Jomtien Beach, covering a shorter distance of approximately 33 kilometres. This walk, which took place on Valentine’s Day, was a symbolic gesture reflecting his surname and his commitment to helping underprivileged children under the care of the foundation.
A visit to the Take Care Kids foundation prior to these charity walks exposed Mr Valentine to the harsh realities faced by children who have suffered abuse at the hands of their own families. Witnessing their plight deeply affected him, as a father himself, and he was determined to make a difference in their lives.
From the Pattaya-Jomtien walk alone, Mr Valentine managed to raise 71,000 baht (S$2755), which he donated to Take Care Kids. During both walks, he was accompanied by members of the Hash House Harriers, a charitable social running group with chapters across Thailand, including Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket.
Mr Valentine first encountered Take Care Kids during one of their fundraising events in Pattaya earlier this year, which sparked his interest in contributing to their cause. Following the success of the Pattaya-Jomtien walk, he realized that more funds were needed to construct a new foster home for the foundation. This realization motivated him to embark on the challenging journey from Pattaya to Phuket, during which he received 200,000 baht (S$7760) in donations.
Now back in Pattaya, where he currently resides, Mr Valentine decided to undertake the walk to Phuket due to his personal connection with places that start with the letter “P.” Having spent 24 years in the Philippines before moving to Pattaya, and another 10 years in Phuket, he felt a strong attachment to the destination. Phuket is also home to the largest chapter of the Hash House Harriers.
Mr Valentine’s route from Pattaya to Phuket took him along Sukhumvit Road, Rama II, and Phetkasem Road, the main southern route. The journey presented numerous challenges, including narrow and uneven paths, scorching heat, and physical pain.
Despite encountering difficulties, Mr Valentine’s determination never wavered. On day 12 of his walk, he was diagnosed with sciatica, a condition affecting the sciatic nerve. However, after taking a two-day rest, he soldiered on, and miraculously, the pain subsided, allowing him to continue his mission without further setbacks.
Throughout his journey, Mr Valentine faced the absence of convenience stores and pharmacies, particularly in the provinces. At times, he had to walk up to 50 kilometres without access to these essential facilities. Despite offers of rides from well-intentioned individuals, he politely declined, remaining committed to completing the walk solely on foot.
This incredible achievement showcases the power of charity, resilience, and personal experience in making a significant impact on the lives of others. Mr Valentine’s dedication and unwavering spirit serve as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that a single individual can make a tremendous difference through determination and compassion.
Mr Valentine’s passion for charitable walks dates back to 1996 when he embarked on his first charity walk alongside his older brother in the United Kingdom. Since then, he has continued to use his love for long-distance walks to raise awareness and funds for various causes close to his heart.
