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Detroit Man With Heroic Work Ethic Walks His 21-Mile Commute Each Day (Video)

by Emily Arata

No matter the forecast, James Robertson walks a total of 21 miles to work and back home, all through some of Detroit's dangerous neighborhoods.

The 56-year-old factory worker hasn't been able to afford a car since his Honda Accord died 10 years ago, but he still manages to be at the Schain Mold & Engineering plant early every morning.

The Detroit Free Press reports Robertson survives his grueling 2 to 10 pm work schedule and commute by downing liters of sugary, caffeinated Mountain Dew and Coca-Cola every day.

And although the man was once mugged walking home from work, he says God helps keep him safe from thugs each night.

Since the publication of a local news story about Robertson, a GoFundMe page in the man's name – created by a WSU junior from Robertson's hometown of Troy – raised more than $52,000 of its original $25,000 goal.

Moved by Robertson's positive attitude in the face of hardship, more than 1,500 people pitched in to help him buy a car and start anew.