Twenty-one-year-old Samuel Attwell has achieved an extraordinary feat by completing a 10-day run from the northernmost point of Ireland to the southernmost, becoming potentially the youngest person ever to do so. His efforts have raised more than £50,000 for the children's charity Molly Ollys, with donations continuing to increase.
Starting from Malin Head in County Donegal, Samuel ran to Mizen Head in County Cork, covering hundreds of miles through counties Donegal, Derry, Leitrim, Longford, Offaly, Tipperary, Limerick, and Cork. Along the route, he received tremendous 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. This support helped push the fundraising beyond his initial £50,000 target.
Samuel, the son of Oakland International co-founders Sallie and Dean Attwell, undertook the challenge for Molly Ollys, a UK-based charity that also provides vital support across Ireland. The charity supplies its Olly The Brave books to Crumlin Children's Hospital in Dublin and the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, and grants 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 more than £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."
The funds raised could help grant up to 100 wishes for seriously ill children and provide vital comfort and support to families during difficult times. 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."
Although 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. 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."
To donate, visit the JustGiving page.
