A MUSCULAR dystrophy sufferer who raised funds in the fight against the disease has died aged 27.

Farmoor’s James Lewis, who met celebrities including Simon Cowell and Jeremy Clarkson through his fundraising work, died on November 10 on his way to the Churchill Hospital in Oxford after suffering breathing problems.

Parents David and Lynn said his funeral will pay tribute to his love of Hawaiian shirts with mourners asked to wear colourful clothing.

His father, 68, said: “It has been a very emotional time.

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“We were on our way up to the hospital because he was having a bit of trouble with his breathing and he suddenly stopped breathing.

“We stopped and called an ambulance and flagged down some cars, and three people stopped and tried to give him CPR.

Herald Series:

James meets celebrity Simon Cowell

“By the time the ambulance arrived there was nothing to be done.

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank the people who stopped at the side of the road.

“We do not know who they are, they were going before we even found out their names.”

He won the Daniel Cleave Cup for the highest junior fundraiser at the 10km Oxford Town and Gown run, which he ran for four years in a row.

Herald Series:

James with Jeremy Clarkson

The annual May event raises funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

The following four years, up to 2007, he won the Oxford Mail Challenge Cup for the highest adult fundraiser at the event.

Through his 15-year connection with East Oxford’s Helen & Douglas House hospice, James met stars from the worlds of entertainment and sport.

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James meets the Duchess of Cornwall

As well as Cowell, and Clarkson, James met other big names including Jenson Button, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Princess Anne.

His father said: “He was a very happy person, he was always smiling and he was quite creative.

“He liked doing graphics on computers and he loved cars.

“Jeremy Clarkson was his favourite and he met him three times.”

Oxford’s Colourful Coffins, of Temple Cowley, designed James’s coffin, which is covered in pictures of him throughout his life including photos with famous people he met.

Herald Series:

James's coffin was covered with pictures from his life

David said: “We said we wanted something a bit more than a wooden box with handles on.”

His funeral will take place at The Friary, St Mary’s Road, Cowley, on Thursday.

His father said of Helen & Douglas House: “He started going there when he was 12, so he has been visiting 15 years in total.

“We have been staying there pretty much every day since and they have been supporting us.”

He added: “Hundreds of people have got in touch with us, which has been a big help.”


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