THOUSANDS of pounds have already been pledged for a charity challenge that will see 21‑year‑old Samuel Attwell from Redditch attempt to run the length of Ireland in just 10 days, and with two months to go, preparation have entered their toughest phase.
Samuel, who will run almost 350 miles from Malin Head to Mizen Head this May, has already secured more than £15,000 in early donations and sponsorship, giving his campaign a powerful head start towards his £50,000 target for children’s charity Molly Ollys.
With fundraising momentum building, Samuel’s focus has now shifted firmly to the physical and logistical demands of one of Ireland’s most punishing endurance routes.
Samuel is currently undertaking back‑to‑back long‑distance runs designed to replicate the strain of completing an ultra-marathon every day for 10 consecutive days.
He said: “Training is going well, but there’s no sugar‑coating it, it’s brutal.
“Running miles day after day pushes you physically and mentally. But every tough session reminds me why I’m doing this and who it’s for.”
As well as physical training, a dedicated planning team is working behind the scenes on logistics, safety and community engagement along the route, which will take Samuel through towns and rural communities across Donegal, Derry, Leitrim, Longford, Offaly, Tipperary, Limerick, Cork and West Cork.
A training and route‑scouting visit to Ireland is planned in the coming days, where Samuel and his support team will assess road conditions, elevation, rest points and local access, while also meeting supporters and potential community partners along the way.
Samuel is running as an ambassador for Molly Ollys, a UK‑based children’s charity which supports children with life‑threatening and life‑limiting illnesses through the funding of wishes, therapeutic toys and emotional support for families.
The charity works closely with the NHS, supporting projects within hospitals and the community. One flagship project includes the creation and refurbishment of Magnolia House at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, a safe, non‑clinical space for families and medical teams.
Molly Ollys also funded the first ever consultant in paediatric palliative medicine at Birmingham Children’s Hospital in 2018 and subsequently supported the funding of additional consultant roles in the region.
If successful, Samuel’s £50,000 fundraising target could help deliver up to 100 wishes for seriously ill children and provide thousands of comfort items to families at their most difficult moments.
The challenge will begin on May 18, with Samuel aiming to complete the route by May 27, sharing daily updates, GPS tracking and behind‑the‑scenes footage throughout the journey.
With early donations already secured, organisers hope the next phase, increased visibility across Ireland and the UK, will drive further public support.
Samuel added: “This run isn’t just about endurance, it’s about bringing people together, especially the communities I’ll be running through, to help children who desperately need hope.”
Visit justgiving.com/page/samrunsireland to donate.
