Sam Thompson, the former Made In Chelsea star and I’m A Celebrity winner, is nearing the end of a gruelling 260-mile challenge to deliver the Soccer Aid match ball from London’s Stamford Bridge to Manchester United’s Old Trafford, all in support of UNICEF. Over five punishing days, Thompson has combined marathon running and cycling, battling through injury and harsh weather, to raise vital funds for children around the world.
Launching his journey on Monday, June 2, 2025, from Stamford Bridge—last year’s Soccer Aid venue—Thompson embarked on a mission to raise awareness and funds for UNICEF’s global work. The challenge, dubbed the “Match Ball Mission,” has seen him cover marathon distances daily, cycling between iconic football stadiums en route to Old Trafford, the location of this year’s Soccer Aid match on June 15.
Day one was a test of endurance and resolve, with Thompson running 26 miles through London and Hertfordshire before cycling 23 miles to Milton Keynes’ Stadium MK. However, disaster struck near the end of this first marathon when he tore his calf muscle. The injury was severe enough to bring him to tears, as he feared it might derail the entire challenge.
“It was bad straight away. I couldn’t walk or put barely any weight on it. I just burst into tears, as I thought how am I going to do the rest of this challenge? Letting people down just plays on my mind constantly,” Thompson revealed. Despite this setback, medical experts gave him the green light to continue, and he adapted by cycling longer distances on day two to allow his calf some healing time.
Day two saw Thompson push through 72 miles from Milton Keynes to Birmingham’s Villa Park, running through Northamptonshire and Rugby before cycling 46 miles, including a challenging hill climb. Torrential rain and cold weather added to the physical and mental strain, but Thompson remained undeterred.
By day three, Thompson was running north from Villa Park through Walsall and Stafford, then cycling 23 miles to Stoke-on-Trent’s Vale Park. This marked the halfway point of his journey. It was here that he was emotionally reunited with his best friend Pete Wicks, whose encouragement lifted Thompson’s spirits immensely. “Seeing Pete halfway made my day. The pain is so intense but this has put a smile on my face,” Thompson said.
Throughout the challenge, Thompson has been candid about the toll on his body. Strapped up and often running on tiptoes to compensate for the injured calf, he has suffered from secondary aches in his ankles and knees. “I’m really strapped up but I think it’s getting worse. I’m mitigating with other bits of my body that are now starting to creak under the pressure,” he admitted.
Despite the pain, Thompson’s motivation has been fueled by the overwhelming support of friends, family, and fans, as well as the growing fundraising total. By day three, he had already raised over £600,000 for UNICEF, a figure that climbed to an astonishing £1,169,922.42 by day four. “I fell to the ground when we hit £1 million. I’m so humbled. Thank you to everyone who’s donated, it means the world,” Thompson said, visibly emotional upon hearing the news.
His sister Louise, 35, has been a steadfast source of support, praising his bravery amid personal challenges, including a painful breakup with Love Island star Zara McDermott earlier this year after five years together. In a heartfelt FaceTime call, Louise told him, “You’ve been through a very tough six months regardless of training for this challenge, you’ve obviously been through this horrendous break-up and to throw yourself into something that is helping so many other people is just incredible.”
Thompson’s mental health journey, including a late autism diagnosis, has also been part of his story, with candid discussions about his struggles and resilience. Support from celebrity friends has been a vital morale boost. Jamie Laing, who completed his own ultra-marathon challenge for Comic Relief earlier this year, sent a motivational video message during Thompson’s toughest days: “Day three is the worst. I’ve been there and I know how hard it is and your body is screaming for you to give up every single moment, you just keep going, one foot in front of the other, you don’t stop. You’re doing it for the best cause. Let’s keep going, I adore you.”
Other friends who have joined Thompson along the route include Love Island’s Chris Hughes, ex-footballer Ashley Cain, Olympic cyclist and swimmer Dame Sarah Storey, and former TOWIE star Josh 'JP' Patterson. Patterson accompanied Thompson for part of day four, saying, “I want to support my friend through possibly one of the most vulnerable experiences of his life, but he’s doing it for the most wonderful cause. I want to help raise as much money as we can, so when he steps across the finish line, he knows he’s given it every single ounce of himself.”
On the road, Thompson has been under the watchful eye of physio Gary Lewin, who acknowledged the severity of his calf injury but confirmed Thompson’s determination and medical clearance to continue. “Sam has got a significant injury to his calf. We tried to take the weight off of it yesterday by giving him a bike day and in the afternoon he said it felt better, so we tried a bit of walking. He can’t put much weight on it. My advice today is we’re going to start out with a walk today and then cycle and see how we get on. He’s in safe hands and medical advice is he can continue,” Lewin said.
Thompson’s route on day four took him from Vale Park in Stoke-on-Trent through Sandbach, Middlewich, Ellesmere Port, The Wirral, and Birkenhead, finishing at Goodison Park in Liverpool. Despite the wet, cold, and windy conditions, he pressed on, stating, “Today is going to be one step in front of the other. Also, the fact that we have raised over £600,000 is keeping me going – that will warm anyone’s soul! The love and outpouring from people has been so immense and I’m so glad people are donating to UNICEF’s work for kids around the world. I’ve seen it firsthand and know the difference it’ll make.”
Thompson’s final day, June 6, promises to be the most challenging yet, as he cycles 10 miles north of Widnes to warm up before running his last marathon past Warrington and into the Manchester suburbs. The finish line at Old Trafford is in sight, where the match ball will be delivered just in time for the charity event on June 15.
Adding to the momentum, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation announced it would triple every donation up to £5 million, with an anonymous donor matching up to £500,000. This generous boost has amplified the impact of Thompson’s efforts, encouraging more supporters to contribute.
In recognition of his incredible journey, a documentary titled “Sam Thompson’s Match Ball Mission” is set to air on ITV1 and ITVX on June 13, offering an intimate look at his physical and emotional trials during the challenge.
After a brief rest following the challenge, Thompson will take to the field himself, playing for England against the World XI on June 14. Managed by Wayne Rooney and Tyson Fury, the match will feature notable figures such as Gary Neville, One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, and TV presenter Bear Grylls, all united for the cause.
Sam Thompson’s journey is a testament to resilience, friendship, and dedication to making a difference. Battling injury, personal hardship, and the elements, he has not only raised a record-breaking sum for UNICEF but has inspired countless people along the way. As he nears the finish line, the nation watches and cheers, knowing every step and pedal stroke is for the children who need it most.
