Fundraising hero to run 400 miles
James Paterson marks his 50th birthday with epic challenge to protect children from harm
Lanarkshire dad-of-two and marathon enthusiast James Paterson is gearing up for his most ambitious challenge yet. James will run more than 400 miles from Larkhall to London this spring, before taking on the iconic London Marathon - all to raise funds for Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity.
James from Wishaw, who owns Paterson’s Trophy Supplies Limited with his wife Kirsty, has been a dedicated supporter of Children First for 15 years, raising over £26,000 to help protect children from harm and give them a brighter future. The charity provides practical, emotional and financial support to families through its national support line and local services.
Since first running the London Marathon in 2009, James has turned fundraising into a personal mission. He completed a virtual marathon during the pandemic, a 24-hour track run totalling 98 miles and countless endurance feats.
But his 50th birthday challenge on 17 April 2026 will be his toughest yet, running 50 miles a day for seven days from Lanarkshire to London, then finishing with the marathon.
James said: “I love running, I love marathons, and I love the work Children First does. Every year I push myself further, and this year is the ultimate test. My family, Kirsty and our children Daisy and Ellis, keep me going and the charity’s work really inspires me.
“Our community in Larkhall has been incredible in supporting Children First over the years, and I know they’ll be behind me every step of the way too. I can’t thank them enough.”
James draws inspiration from endurance icons like Spencer Matthews and Rob Pope, who famously recreated Forrest Gump’s run across America. He’s already undertaking training runs from Edinburgh to Glasgow to prepare for the challenge.
Michelle Supple, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Children First, said: “James is a fundraising legend. His commitment and endurance are incredible and this year’s challenge is his biggest yet.
“Thanks to amazing supporters like James, we can protect children across Scotland and help them recover from harm. Good luck James, we know you’re going to smash this challenge and want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you do for Children First.”
Support James’s 2026 fundraiser here: JAMES paterson is fundraising for Children First