James Winters is the Chairman of the Smile Project (part of the Big Trust Charity) and Ambassador for the Football for Change Charity.

Both Smile and Football for Change work closely with businesses to change the lives of young people in some of the most deprived communities in the UK.

"As the summer turns to autumn and people's attention slowly looks towards the run into Christmas. There is a undercurrent of child poverty drifting along with the seasons"

"Statistics show there are an estimated 347k children living in Liverpool alone with up to 36% or 124,920 children living below the poverty line by December this year. Nationally these figures are even bigger with an estimated 4 million children living in poverty"

"With the cost of living crisis along with fuel and energy bills being at an all time high, helping children in poverty is needed now more than ever".

James is challenging himself and others to a 5k run everyday for 100 days leading up to Christmas, finishing on Christmas Eve at 500 kilometers!

When setting this challenge the message was not so much about the distance but the consistency each day. This was to drive home the message that there are no days off for children living poverty.

Helping James raise awareness and as much as possible for children who need a little helping hand.

"As a dad myself, i believe by doing this we can highlight the continued poverty children face in society and by raising awareness we can make a difference, in turn giving future generations a chance".

I believe, No child deserves to wake up each morning cold with an empty stomach or no gift to open on Xmas day.

Do you have what it takes?? #Runninguptoxmas

Be the change and make someone smile 🙂

Follow and support on:
Instagram-
@smileproject01
&
@footballforchange