Sam Thompson 'in tears' during Soccer Aid challenge as Tony Bellew comes to the rescue

Daily Record

2 days ago

Sam Thompson has been battling through injuries and mental health struggles to complete his 260 mile charity challenge, and was supported by his former I'm A Celebrity co-star as he broke down in tears.
Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson is on the verge of breaking down and heavily reliant on painkillers as he continues his gruelling Soccer Aid challenge. The former I'm A Celeb contestant has proven its far from an easy task, but has been rallied with support from his inner circle.
The 32 year old can barely walk, let alone run or cycle, after tearing his calf muscle, but he is determined to complete the 260-mile challenge across five days. He has been inundated with encouragement and support from his pals.
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Fans were left touched on Thursday when he was reunited with his fellow I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! campmate Tony Bellew, with the boxing legend tapping in with support for Sam, who has been visibly struggling.
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Their sweet reunion was shared on TikTok, as the 42-year-old former professional boxer greeted him and came to the rescue in the most legendary fashion - in a speed boat. He instructed Sam to get on his back, as he carried him to the boat, to push him across that day's finish line.
It comes as disaster struck just a few kilometres into the challenge when Sam suffered a severe calf injury. He told the Mirror: "It was bad straight away. I couldn't walk or put barely any weight on it. I just burst into tears, as I thought how am I going to do the rest of this challenge? Letting people down just plays on my mind constantly."
After a brief respite on his bike, Sam has incredibly returned to his feet, despite the considerable pain. He admits: "I'm really strapped up but I think it's getting worse. I'm mitigating with other bits of my body that are now starting to creak under the pressure. I've been running on my tiptoes but my ankles are now going which, in turn, leads to my knees going. I'm just trying not to think about it."
Witnessing the TV personality hobble in pain each morning has been particularly difficult for his sister Louise. In a heartfelt Facetime, she expressed her admiration, saying: "You've been through a very tough six months regardless of training for this challenge, you've obviously been through this horrendous break-up and to throw yourself into something that is helping so many other people is just incredible."
Sam parted ways with ex Zara McDermott after half a decade earlier this year, yet his commitment to power on with his charitable support remains unwavering. He's surpassed the impressive £1million target in his fundraising efforts for Unicef.
Despite challenging conditions including torrential rain during an extensive cycle on his second day and battling personal struggles, Sam has maintained transparency about his mental health, including a recent autism diagnosis. His spirits have been lifted by a succession of celebrity companions as he makes his way from Chelsea's Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford in Manchester to deliver the ball for Soccer Aid's forthcoming match.
Television personalities such as Josie Gibson, Chris Hughes, and Jamie Laing have offered support in difficult times, with a morale-boosting encounter with Pete Wicks providing additional encouragement.
Expressing gratitude, he remarks: "I'm so blown away by people's generosity." He also highlights the impact of the endeavor: "It's all going to Unicef's work for kids around the world. I've seen it firsthand and know the difference it will make."
On the fourth day of his extraordinary journey yesterday, Sam departed from Vale Park in Stoke-on-Trent. He was slated to conquer 57 miles, which would take him through locations like Sandbach, Middlewich, Ellesmere Port, The Wirral, and Birkenhead, before arriving at Goodison Park in Liverpool.
As he pushes on, Sam carries with him the wisdom from running royalty Sir Mo Farah, who advised him prior to the start of his challenge: "Just put one foot in front of the other, and always believe in why you are doing it."