Please Note:

This is a crowdfunding page to contribute towards my accommodation, petrol, parking, lack of earnings etc. for the 30 days of this fundraising challenge.

To donate to 250 Miles for Smiles (all money to Place 2 Be), please visit (page to be created).

Thank you Here’s my press release:

James Ashley

250milesforsmiles@gmail.com

01/03/19

RAISING SMILES AND POUNDS FOR CHILDREN’S FUTURES

James, 37, from Ash Vale, Surrey, created the 250 Miles for Smiles challenge (in aid of children’s mental-health charity Place 2 Be) during a recent bout of depression, anxiety and binge-eating.

In just 30 days (March 23rd-April 21st) he hopes to walk 5 miles in each of the 48 English ceremonial counties plus Cardiff and Edinburgh, undertake various mood-boosting activities and openly discuss mental-health themes.

James, who has battled mental-health issues for over 20 years, has educated and entertained children in various roles since 2001. He is relying on the support and generosity of the great British public to raise an incredible £31300, which would enable a whole school to access Place 2 Be services for a whole year.

James said, “Children’s futures are at stake here and I’m prepared to push myself to my physical and mental limits to support Place 2 Be’s services. The sooner we can support these children, the more chance they have of living a healthy, happy life. I am living proof of what happens without early intervention. I wish these services had existed when I was at school.”

Place2Be is a children's mental health charity providing school-based support and in-depth training programmes to improve the emotional wellbeing of pupils, families, teachers and school staff.

To support James’ challenge, please visit Just Giving (address tbc).

Thank You

Notes to editors:

Place 2 Be provides emotional and therapeutic services in primary and secondary schools, building children’s resilience through talking, creative work and play in 294 UK primary and secondary schools, reaching 142,000 pupils.

Issues supported include bullying, bereavement, domestic violence, family breakdown, neglect and trauma.

We believe in the importance of early intervention. The costs of not providing early mental health support are considerable: children suffer, costs to taxpayers rise and society loses the potential of another individual.

Every year we improve thousands of children’s lives. But we cannot do it without you. Visit https://www.place2be.org.uk to find out how you can get involved and show you care about children’s futures.