Here's the very latest on Sam Thompson's Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid!

ITV News

3 days ago

He's gone head to head with some of Chelsea's scariest Sloane's, has won multiple Guinness World Records in the This Morning studio, and even faced his fears in some terrifying Bushtucker Trials. But now, our very own Sam Thompson is taking on his toughest challenge yet as he's tasked with running and cycling for five days to transport the Soccer Aid match ball over 260 miles from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford in time for kick-off.
Speaking before setting off on Monday, Sam said: 'I had no sleep last night, I'm absolutely terrified but I know I just need to keep my head in the game and remember why I'm doing this.
'It's all for Unicef and to raise as much money as possible, so I'm going to dig deep and get on with it, and look forward to a hot shower at the end.'
We'll be following along with Sam on every step of his journey, so keep checking back to stay up to date with how he's getting on!
Day One
Sam's leaping out of his comfort zone and into his Lycra as he gets ready to hit the road, with his I'm A Celebrity … Unpacked co-host Joel Dommett joining him to help kick off the event! We sent Josie Gibson to meet up with him four hours into his journey to give him a boost and see how he's getting on!
Sam raised more than £100,000 on his first day of a challenge that will see him run and cycle 260 miles in order to deliver the match ball for Soccer Aid 2025.
On Monday, the 32-year-old set off from Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium in London, the location of last year's charity match in aid of Unicef, and ran a full marathon before cycling a further 23 miles to reach Milton Keynes.
Speaking at the day one finish line in Buckinghamshire, Sam said: 'Day one was terrifying. I can't believe I did it. I was so worried that no one would turn up for me, but as I started to approach the stadium and the finish line, I could hear the cheering.
'I started to get emotional. It means so much to me that people turned out. It's been tougher than I could have imagined and there were points when I was really struggling.
'I was in a lot of pain after the marathon, but before I started the bike I was checked over by the physio and medical team, just to make sure I was fit enough to carry on.
'I'm taking one step at a time, one pedal at a time, but I'm going to find a way to make it to the finish and stay focused on why I'm doing this.
'It's to raise as much money for Unicef as we can – to support the incredible work they do for children around the world. That's what this is all about.'
Our very own Ben Shephard joined up with Sam for some of his cycling leg of the challenge and said: 'I think Sam is incredibly brave and courageous taking on a challenge like this. I've done some physical ultra-marathons and I know that it takes its toll.
'Mentally it's a really tough battle because for five days he's got to run five marathons then having finished, jump on the bike on top of that.
'What I know and love about Sam is his enthusiasm, his energy and his positivity and that is going to be tested to his absolute limit.
'He's going to have to draw on all of his experience of meeting the children in Guatemala that inspired him with their joy that got them through all sorts of really difficult things in their lives.
'Sam's got the biggest heart and despite the pain he's going to be going through, I can't wait to see him cross that finish line on Friday and get that ball to Old Trafford.'
Day Two
He's taking on his biggest challenge yet and we're going to be there for the ride. On day two of Sam Thompson's epic Match Ball Mission from Stamford Bridge to Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium, Chris Hughes joined him to see how he's getting on, and to find out about his injury.
After a morning of torrential rain, spirits were low, but Sam received a much-needed boost from brother-in-law Ryan Libbey who joined him for an emotional afternoon cycle.
Fans were out in force to cheer Sam along the way as he travelled from Stadium MK, Milton Keynes and through Towcester, Rugby, Coventry and Solihull, battling torrential rain and tough hill climbs. Determined to reach the day's finish line, Sam heroically pushed through a painful calf strain, and on advice from medical team stuck to two wheels to aid his recovery, before attempting to run to the finish line at Villa Park, Birmingham.
Ryan said: 'I was so excited to see Sam and give him a big squeeze today. Sam is doing so incredibly well, I'm so proud of him. He's been up against it today with the weather and his injury, but to see the amount of money he has raised and the awareness he's bringing to UNICEF is an inspiration. Nothing about what he's doing, including the distance he cycled today, is easy, but he's so determined and I know he can do it. Let's get Sam across that finish line!'
Day two saw total donations almost double to £198,922.66 so far! From today's finish line, Sam said: 'One of the toughest parts of the day was the weather conditions – that rain during the cycle was unbelievable. We were absolutely drenched, and my back was aching, but having Chris there kept me going."
"I can cope with the bad conditions and the aches and pains, but my leg keeps letting me down. I was told at the last pitstop I could try and run the last few kilometres to test my leg and my recovery, so I cycled out the pitstop determined to make it as far as I could towards the stadium and tried to run into Villa Park. I'm going to ice my leg again tonight and see what tomorrow brings.
'If I have to get up at 4am every morning for the rest of the week to complete this, I will. I'm going to make it to Manchester by Friday. I am so grateful to everyone that has supported me already and donated – that's the one thing keeping going.'
Day Three
After battling against torrential downpours and a painful calf tear yesterday, we thought Sam could do with a bit of a boost, and there's nobody better than his best friend, Pete Wicks!
Asking about Sam's injury, he said: 'It's not great, it's a real slow one but I just I've done the first 11.5km and the team has been amazing. I've read some of the messages and stuff online and they've just blown me away but then you [Pete] turned up and I cried again… I've got to stop crying.'
Pete replied: 'There's a lot of tears but mate, I am so, so, so proud of you.'
Sam revealed: 'I've torn it, I've torn the calf, which is awesome but after the first one [marathon] I was like I don't know how I'm gonna do this but we are on day three.'
Back in the studio, Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley had a very special announcement for Sam, that an anonymous donor will match the donations raised up to £500,000!
Ben said: 'As you know, the Children's Investment Fund Foundation are already matching all of the donations up to five million pounds."
Cat continued to say: 'But we have another extra special announcement to keep you going. Sam, are you listening? An anonymous donor has been so impressed by what you're doing, that they have decided to match all donations up to half a million quid. So, that means every pound donated to your 'Match Ball Mission' for Soccer Aid will now be tripled!'
Ben said: 'So, that means every pound donated to your 'Match Ball Mission' for Soccer Aid will now be tripled, so if somebody donates £10 it becomes £30!'
Pete, who was still beside Sam as he screamed with delight after hearing the news said: 'Every pound donated is gonna be tripled, so everyone who is watching, everyone who is following Sam's journey, get behind him, get behind him. Now is the time to donate!'
For the full route and information on how to donate to UNICEF and Sam's Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid, visit socceraid.org.uk/challenge.
Sam Thompson's Match Ball Mission, airing in the lead up to Soccer Aid for UNICEF.
Soccer Aid 2025 will take place on Sunday June 15, at Old Trafford, and will be broadcast live on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.