With just one week to go until the start of an extraordinary endurance challenge, thousands of pounds have already been pledged for a remarkable charity run that will see 21‑year‑old Samuel Attwell attempt to run the length of Ireland in just 10 days.
The son of Oakland international’s Co-Founders, Samuel, who will cover almost 360 miles from Malin Head to Mizen Head, has already secured over £35,000 in donations and sponsorship from companies and individuals across the UK and Ireland, giving his campaign a massive early boost towards his £50,000 target for children’s charity Molly Ollys.
As the countdown to the 18th May start date begins, focus has now shifted firmly to the intense physical demands and final logistical preparations required to deliver one of Ireland’s most punishing endurance challenges.
“Training is going well, but it’s brutal”
With the run now just days away, Samuel is undertaking back‑to‑back long‑distance runs designed to replicate the physical and mental strain of completing the equivalent of an ultramarathon every day for 10 consecutive days.
Said Samuel: “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.”
Communities along the route in focus
Alongside training, a dedicated planning team has been working behind the scenes on route logistics, safety planning and community engagement, with the route passing 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 has taken place in the final build‑up, allowing Samuel and his support team to assess road conditions, elevation, rest points and access, while meeting supporters and potential community partners along the route. The visit plays a crucial role in finalising daily stages and ensuring the challenge is delivered safely and visibly.
Follow Samuel’s training journey: https://www.instagram.com/stories/samuel.attwell/
Running for children who need hope
Samuel is running as an ambassador for Molly Ollys, a UK‑based children’s charity supporting children with life‑threatening and life‑limiting illnesses through the funding of wishes, therapeutic toys and emotional support for families.
While primarily operating across the UK, Molly Ollys is already supporting children in Ireland on a small, not‑for‑profit basis, responding directly to need as requests are received. This includes the supply of Olly The Brave books to Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin and the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, as well as a small number of individual wishes granted to children across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
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.
Momentum builds as start line approaches
The challenge will begin on 18th May, with Samuel aiming to complete the route by 27th May, sharing daily updates, GPS tracking and behind‑the‑scenes footage throughout the journey.
With strong early backing already secured, organisers are hopeful that this final countdown will drive further support from businesses, communities and individuals across Ireland and the UK.
Added Samuel: “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.”
How to support
Donations and updates can be found at: www.justgiving.com/page/samrunsireland
About Molly Ollys
Molly Ollys (https://mollyolly.co.uk/) was launched in 2011 by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw, following the loss of their daughter Molly.
The UK‑based charity supports children with life‑threatening and life‑limiting illnesses through the funding of wishes, therapeutic toys, books and emotional support. Since its launch, Molly Ollys has:
- Supported over 21,500 children
- Granted more than 5,500 wishes
- Distributed over 23,000 Olly The Brave books
- Raised more than £5.7 million
The charity works closely with the NHS, including supporting projects such as Magnolia House at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and funding the first consultant in paediatric palliative medicine at the hospital in 2018.
Molly Ollys relies on the generosity of companies and individuals to continue its work.
For further information, please contact Rachel Ollerenshaw on +44 (0) 7747 854914.
