James Robertson is a Detroit man who commutes 23 miles each way daily to work -- and 21 of those miles are on foot.

His perseverance has inspired others to donate more than a quarter million dollars to help him out.

On Sunday, The Detroit Free Press shared Robertson's story.

The 56-year-old has never missed a day of work.

Every weekday, Robertson leaves his Detroit home at 8 a.m., journeying to his factory job in Rochester Hills. He makes $10.55 an hour, but his car broke down about a decade ago and he can't afford another one or the insurance for it.

For slightly more than half, the 46-mile round-trip trek he takes a bus. However, buses don't make it the entire route where Robertson needs to go.

So, for the past 10 years -- ever since his car broke down, he's walked.

Robertson's work ethic and spirit have inspired thousands to donate online.

Upon hearing his story, a Wayne State University student, 19-year-old Evan Leady, started a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Robertson to get a car to get back and forth to work.

The original goal was $5,000. So far, $287,768 has been raised.

According to The Detroit Free Press, since the story broke, it's been a busy few days for Robertson. Attention he'd never expected has been heaped upon him. Reporters want to interview him, strangers want to shake his hand.

Through it all, Robertson remains humble, saying:

I have to be careful how I act about this — the same God who brings you all these blessings can take them away, but hopefully I'm ready for what happens."

He remains grateful as well.

Upon meeting Leady, Robertson shook his hand and said:

I'm always going to be in your debt. I will never forget this."

 
Here is Robertson's thank you message.

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