A YOUNG actor is walking 100 kilometres to help save lives in memory of a local schoolboy.

James McDonald, from Greenock, is a friend of the family of Jayden Orr, who was just 10 when he tragically collapsed and died in 2017 during an ice skating training session.

James, who has starred on stage since winning a place at a top theatre company, first became friends with Jayden and his family during skate nights at the Waterfront Leisure Centre.

Since Jayden's death his mum Kathleen has devoted her life to campaigning to put lifesaving defibrillators in public places.

Now James is joining in and has launched a charity mission to support the Jayden's Rainbow charity.

James, who is also a keen ice-skater, told our sister title The Greenock Telegraph: "Jayden was the most talented skater I'd ever seen.

"He would have definitely ended up on Dancing on Ice.

"He was always smiling and laughing.

"He was a lovely boy, so much fun and full of life and is missed so much.

"It was so tragic when he died.

"I used to spend time with him on the rink on a Friday night, showing him tricks, but soon he was showing me.

"I got to know all his family really well.

"They are all so lovely."

Since Jayden's death his mum Kathleen, dad John, sister Kerri and brother Declan have raised thousands of pounds in his name for the defibs drive.

They have also led a campaign to change planning law and taken their fight all the way to parliament.

Theatre star James is determined to do what he can to support them.

As a teenager he beat school bullies to secure a a place at the National Youth Theatre in London.

He went on to study drama at college and since then has toured with various productions.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic he has continued with his passion for acting, helping others by working with refugees as well as St Columba's High School kids through online storytelling workshops.

James, who lives with his partner Becky, said: "I was so sad when Jayden died and this year I have spent a lot of time at home because of the pandemic, so I thought now was the time to do my fundraising.

"I want to keep his memory and raise money for defibrillators in his name as his family have done so much to help other people."

James is walking the distance in 10 days and hopes to raise as much money as he can to help Jayden's mum Kathleen.

Kathleen said: "This really means such a lot to us - James is a great person and does so much fundraising but this cause is so close to him.

"He became really good friends with our family when we used to take Jayden to the Friday night skating disco.

"I can still see Jayden skating round and James and Declan trying to catch him."

*To sponsor James visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jamesdoes100k