A 23-year-old man from Starbeck is taking on a remarkable 500-mile fundraising challenge to thank St John Ambulance for the support and inclusion he has received throughout his life.
Jamie will begin his challenge on St John’s Day, Wednesday 24 June 2026, with the aim of completing the equivalent distance from Starbeck to St John’s Gate in Clerkenwell, London, and back again. He hopes to finish on Wednesday 7 October 2026, the day before his 24th birthday.
The challenge has been carefully planned around Jamie’s abilities and will be completed in manageable stages. As well as riding a tandem bicycle with his dad, Dale, Jamie will swim and use a rowing machine at the gym to help complete the full 500 miles.
Jamie lives with Koolen-de Vries syndrome, learning difficulties, epilepsy and kyphoscoliosis. Following a bleed on the brain, he also experiences variable muscle tone, which can make coordination and spatial awareness especially challenging.
Everyday physical activities require significant concentration and energy, but Jamie approaches each challenge with enthusiasm, resilience and determination.
Although Jamie has limited speech, he communicates confidently using gestures and his adaptive iPad, allowing his personality, humour and determination to shine through.
Jamie’s connection with St John Ambulance began locally in the Badgers at Starbeck, before he progressed through the Cadets and into the St John Fellowship, where he now attends with the support of his carer.
Throughout that journey, Jamie and his family have experienced the organisation’s welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment. For them, the 500-mile challenge is a way of giving something back to an organisation that has played an important part in Jamie’s life.
His family said: “St John Ambulance has been a huge part of Jamie’s life. The support, encouragement and inclusion he has received over the years have meant so much to him and our family.
“This challenge is our way of saying thank you while raising vital funds to help St John Ambulance continue supporting others.”
Supporters in Starbeck, Harrogate and beyond are encouraged to follow Jamie’s progress and cheer him on as he completes each stage of his 500-mile journey.
Every mile will represent not only a fundraising effort, but also Jamie’s resilience, determination and appreciation for the organisation that has supported him throughout his life.