On 18th May 2026, 21‑year‑old fundraiser Samuel Attwell will set off on an extraordinary 350‑mile ultrarunning challenge from Malin Head to Mizen Head, one of Ireland’s toughest endurance routes, all to raise £50,000 for children with life‑threatening illnesses.
In a feat attempted by very few solo runners and almost none his age, Samuel will spend 10 consecutive days covering vast stretches of rural Ireland, battling harsh weather, fatigue, and unforgiving terrain.
His mission is to support Molly Ollys, a charity he represents as an ambassador, which helps grant wishes and provides vital emotional support to seriously ill children and their families.
Generous Sponsors Already On Board
Samuel has already secured over £12,000 in early sponsorship from businesses connected to his family, support that means everything as he prepares for this immense challenge. But he can’t do it alone. To reach his £50,000 goal for Molly Ollys, Samuel is calling on more sponsors and individuals to stand with him and support children who desperately need hope.
Samuel’s father, Oakland International Co-Founder Dean Attwell, commented: “Samuel’s courage, determination and compassion shine through every step of this challenge. What he’s doing goes beyond endurance, it’s about standing with families facing the unimaginable and making a powerful statement of hope for children and families in crisis.
“Oakland International is honoured to support him, and we urge other businesses and individuals to get behind Samuel to help make a meaningful difference.”
Molly Ollys CEO and Co-Founder Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “This is a massive challenge to take on and I am glad that we can be alongside Samuel as he paces through it. Samuel has done so much for Molly Ollys. From a very young age, he has wanted to get involved and volunteered at many events and fundraised on numerous occasions. For someone at his age to give so much time and energy is every inspiring. This is certainly going to be a tough one and I really hope that he gets all the support and encouragement that he deserves. I know it would mean so much to him to know his efforts have made a very real difference.”
Said Samuel: “I know how quickly life can change. That’s why I’m doing this.”
Samuel’s determination is deeply rooted in 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.
“When you lose the people you love far too soon, it changes you. It makes you realise how precious time is especially for children who don’t get the chance to grow up. Running across Ireland is nothing compared to what these families face every day. If my miles can bring smiles, strength, or support to even one child, then every step will be worth it.” added Samuel.
10 Days, 350 Miles, One Immense Challenge
From 18th May, Samuel will embark on a journey from the northernmost tip of Ireland to its southernmost point, completing the route on 27th May.
Daily Route Breakdown:
- Day 1: Malin Head → Derry — 52km
- Day 2: Derry → Baragh — 68km
- Day 3: Baragh → Ballinamore — 52km
- Day 4: Ballinamore → Ballymahon — 61km
- Day 5: Ballymahon → Banagher — 48km
- Day 6: Banagher → Nenagh — 42km
- Day 7: Nenagh → Bruff — 55km
- Day 8: Bruff → Millstreet — 70km
- Day 9: Millstreet → Kealkill — 55km
- Day 10: Kealkill → Mizen Head — 55km
Almost 350 miles of rolling hills, quiet rural roads, and unpredictable Irish weather.
If successful, Samuel will join a very small and elite group and at just 21, become one of the youngest solo runners ever to complete the route.
Bringing the World Along for the Ride
Samuel plans to make the challenge highly visible sharing daily video updates, GPS maps and live progress, training insights, milestones and setbacks, and honest unfiltered footage.
His goal is to ignite momentum, inspire others, and make this challenge truly go viral.
“£50,000 isn’t just a target,” said Samuel. “It’s the difference we can make to the lives of so many poorly children.
“If I reach my fundraising target, then that money will deliver up to 100 wishes, provide more than 2,500 therapeutic toys and books and support vital projects in children’s hospitals. Molly Ollys stands beside families at the toughest moments of their lives and every pound raised strengthens that support.”
Samuel’s Final Message
“I’m asking people to join me, not on the road, but in spirit. Every pound is fuel. Every share helps spread awareness. Every message keeps me going. Let’s turn every mile into a moment of hope for the children who need it most.”
About Molly Ollys
Molly Olly’s Wishes (https://mollyolly.co.uk/) was launched by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw in 2011 following the loss of their daughter Molly. Since then, the charity has supported over 21,500 children across the country, granted 5,500 wishes, provided over 23,000 Olly The Brave books, and raised more than £5.7m.
Throughout the 15 years Molly Ollys has been running, it has raised more than £5 million; granted more than 4,300 wishes; supported more than 19,500 children and distributed more than 20,000 Olly The Brave books to more than 70 hospitals.
The charity works alongside the NHS to support projects within the hospitals and the community. One key project was the creation and refurbishment of Magnolia House at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. This is a safe and non-clinical space where medical teams and families can have important discussions.
Molly Ollys is also responsible for funding the first ever consultant in paediatric palliative medicine at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, in 2018 and further provided funding for two more consultants, doubling the number of existing roles in the region.
Molly Ollys need the support of companies and individuals to enable them to help more children. They welcome the opportunity to provide more information about their work. For details contact Rachel on 07747 854914.
