Running for Greatness: James Paton

As this year’s AJ Bell Great Manchester Run weekend approaches – we’re shining a spotlight on some of our inspiring participants who are running for more than the medal when they lace up their trainers on the 18th May.

Meet James Paton, a 27 year old who has suffered from alopecia since the age of 11 and is running the half marathon distance on the 18th May.

For anyone, let alone a young child navigating secondary school and carving out his future, losing your hair can have devasting affects and test the strongest of characters. James has had to overcome self-esteem and confidence struggles whilst adjusting to his condition, often hiding behind wigs after getting his first wig for the school prom.

In a liberating turn of events in May last year, after 11 years of wearing a wig James removed it and found strength in the vulnerability of exposing his head. He says of his wig wearing days, ‘I know firsthand the feeling of feeling trapped by societal expectations’. Since then, James has channeled his energy into raising awareness of the condition and inspiring confidence saying, ‘action builds confidence and inaction builds fear.’

In a bid to rally awareness he’s renamed his participation in the event as the ‘Great Bald Run’ which will see him rally a group of over 50 people running together wearing bald caps with some taking it a step further and shaving their heads, all in support of alopecia awareness. James explains the mission ‘It’s a bold statement that beauty isn’t defined by hair. We aim to show the world that being bald is beautiful.’

Clearly a man well on the road to greatness and on track to smash his fundraising target of £5,000 for the Little Princess Trust. A charity that provides real hair wigs, completely free of charge, to children and young people who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment or conditions such as Alopecia. This is a cause extremely close to James’ heart after supporting him during what he describes as ‘dark times’ suffering with Alopecia.

Be part of the action! Places for the 10K, Half Marathon and Junior & Mini kids events are expected to sell out in advance once again, so act fast to secure your spot on the start line.