CHILDREN’S charity Molly Ollys is more than £50,000 better off thanks to a footsore runner.
Twenty-one-year-old Samuel Attwell completed a ten-day run from the very top to the bottom of Ireland while raising thousands of pounds for the Warwick-based charity Molly Ollys.
In a feat attempted by very few solo runners, Samuel, from Redditch, spent ten consecutive days covering 350 miles of rural Ireland, battling harsh weather, fatigue, and unforgiving terrain.
Setting off from Malin Head in County Donegal, he ran to Mizen Head in County Cork, through Donegal, Derry, Leitrim, Longford, Offaly, Tipperary and Limerick en route.
Along the way he was met with incredible support from local communities, helping push fundraising beyond his original £50,000 target.
Samuel undertook the challenge in support of Molly Ollys, that also delivers vital support across Ireland, including providing its Olly The Brave books to Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin and the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, alongside granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.
Samuel is also an ambassador for the charity which provides vital emotional support to seriously ill children and their families.
His determination is deeply rooted in his own personal loss. Having lost his grandmother to cancer, and then, devastatingly, his best friend who passed away at just 18 years-old, these experiences ignited a drive in him that goes far beyond sport.
Speaking after completing the challenge, Samuel said: “I feel absolutely euphoric. This has been the toughest thing I’ve ever done, but knowing it was all for Molly Ollys kept me going every single day. To raise over £50,000, and to see donations still coming in, is incredible.
“I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me. To do this for such an amazing charity and the children and families they help means everything.”
Funds raised from the challenge could help grant up to 100 wishes for seriously ill children, as well as provide vital comfort and support to families during incredibly tough times.
Samuel’s parents, Sallie and Dean Attwell, added: “We are immensely proud of Samuel and all he has achieved.
“To take on a challenge of this scale, and complete it with such determination, resilience and heart, is truly inspiring particularly as he has done it in support of Molly Ollys, a charity making such a meaningful difference to children and families, makes this achievement even more special.”
While the challenge is complete, donations remain open, with additional funds helping Molly Ollys continue its vital work supporting children and families across the UK and Ireland.
Visit www.justgiving.com/page/samrunsireland to donate.
Molly Ollys was established in 2011 by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw following the death of their eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer –
Rachel said: “I don’t think any of us fully realised the enormity of the task Samuel was undertaking, to go out day after day when your body is sore, the weather is against you, and you are exhausted is certainly a challenge.
“Samuel has done so well, and we are so proud of him and honoured to have him as our Young Ambassador. A huge ‘Well done’ from All the Team at Molly Ollys.”
