TV, radio and podcast host Sam Thompson crossed his ‘Match Ball Mission’ finish line at Old Trafford raising £1,516,433.22 for UNICEF as he completed the ultimate test of endurance, successfully transporting the Soccer Aid for UNICEF match ball more than 260 miles from last year’s stadium, Stamford Bridge in London, to the home of this year’s match, Old Trafford in Manchester.

On Monday 2nd June, TV, radio and podcast host Sam Thompson embarked on the most gruelling mission of his life: to transport the Soccer Aid for UNICEF match ball more than 260 miles from 2024’s stadium, Stamford Bridge in London, and deliver it to the home of this year’s match, Old Trafford in Manchester, all to raise vital funds to support UNICEF’s work for children around the world.

Sam, pushed himself to the limit – leaping out of his comfort zone and into lycra as he took to the road for a gruelling week of running and cycling. The challenge saw Sam run a marathon a day, before taking to two wheels to complete the daily distance, crossing counties, cities, rivers and roads and to ensure the match ball was delivered ahead of this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF kick-off.

Audiences followed Sam’s journey live on ITV’s This Morning, and Hits Radio for daily updates and check ins – sharing in his determination and pain points as he battled the road. Then, finishing on Friday 6 June, Sam delivered the match ball live on ITV’s This Morning, ready for the upcoming celebrity match and all in aid of UNICEF. The mammoth mission was also captured for a one-off special documentary on ITV1: Sam Thompson’s Match Ball Mission, produced by Initial TV (a Banijay UK company).

Sam Thompson said prior to the challenge:

“I am not a natural runner or a cyclist. Before my training started, I didn’t run at all, let alone long distance! I also hadn’t cycled since I was 10 years old, so I knew this was going to be such a tough and difficult challenge for me. That said – I am absolutely determined to do it, and complete it for my friends at UNICEF and the children they support across the world.

“Playing in Soccer Aid for UNICEF last year was a dream come true, but travelling to Guatemala and seeing UNICEF’s work first-hand supporting communities is something I will never forget in my entire life. The incredible football pitch there that I had the privilege of playing on was filled with joy, laughter and energy. I saw with my own eyes that UNICEF’s programmes truly create hope, happiness and a tangible safe space for kids to just be kids.

“So, during the challenge, during the tough parts, I will be focusing on those amazing children and trying to raise as much money as I can for them. I need all the support I can get – so please support, donate if you can and follow the amazing work UNICEF do every single day across the world.”