21-year-old Samuel Attwell has completed an extraordinary 10-day run from the very top to the bottom of Ireland, becoming possibly the youngest person to achieve the feat, while raising more than £50,000 for children’s charity Molly Ollys, with donations still continuing to climb.
Setting off from Malin Head in County Donegal, Samuel ran to Mizen Head in County Cork, covering hundreds of miles through Donegal, Derry, Leitrim, Longford, Offaly, Tipperary, Limerick and Cork. Along the way, he was met with incredible support from local communities and key sponsors, including Oakland International, Rack Collapse Prevention, Element Logic, MK Health Hub, Primeline Group, Caffrey International, Capital Transport and Shipping and IMA Cooling Systems, helping push fundraising beyond his original £50,000 target.
Samuel, the son of Oakland International Co-Founders Sallie and Dean Attwell, undertook the challenge in support of Molly Ollys, a UK-based charity that also delivers vital support across Ireland. This includes 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.
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.
Oakland International Co-Founders and 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.
To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/samrunsireland
Molly Ollys Co-Founder and CEO Rachel Ollerenshaw commented: “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.”
