One ordinary man. One extraordinary Soccer Aid for UNICEF mission.
On Wednesday it was revealed that every donation to Sam Thompson’s Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid for UNICEF will now be tripled, thanks to Children’s Investment Fund Foundation matching donations up to £5 million and an anonymous donor matching up to £500,000.
Day three of Sam’s Match Ball Mission saw him continue to battle a painful calf injury as he passed the half-way mark.
On advice from his medical team, Sam started the day walking from Villa Park before taking to two wheels to cover a total of 49 miles as he passed through Walsall, Cannock, Stafford and Stone on his way to Vale Park in Stoke-on-Trent to reach his third finish line.
The morning got off to an emotional start as his was surprised by best friend Pete Wicks who gave him a much-needed boost. A host of other friendly faces also surprised Sam throughout the day to lift his spirts, including a video message from Soccer Aid for UNICEF co-founder, Robbie Williams, a phone call from UNICEF UK high-profile supporter, Alex Brooker, and Ashley Cain and Dame Sarah Storey joining Sam on the road.
Sam said: “I’m so happy to have made it past the half-way point and seeing a crowd at the finish to meet me is exactly what I needed to lift me back up. For all of the people who are putting their hands in their pockets, it means so much to me. If you have donated you are the hero of the story, not me.”
The next two days are set to test Sam to the limit with still more than 90 miles to go in the ultimate test of endurance as he crosses counties, cities, rivers and roads to ensure the match ball is delivered to Old Trafford ahead of this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF kick-off on Sunday 15 June. Every mile, on foot and by bike, Sam is hoping to raise as much money as possible to support UNICEF’s work for children to grow up safe, healthy and able to play.
Today was Sam’s hardest day. But friends and family got him through ❤️
To donate and get Sam to the finish line, visit our link in bio.
Every pound you donate to Sam Thompson’s Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid will be tripled, thanks to the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation – matching donations up to £5million - and an anonymous donor – matching donations up to £500,000.
#MatchBallMission
You did it! After day 4 of the #MatchBallMission we are thrilled to announce, so far, Sam’s challenge attempt has phrased a phenomenal a £1,169,922.42 and counting! We asked and you delivered - we got Sam to a million! 💙
Thank you so much for of all your overwhelming support for Sam and Soccer Aid for UNICEF. The final finish line at Old Trafford is in sight! Let`s keep it going and make those final miles worthwhile.
When you support Sam’s challenge attempt you`re helping UNICEF support children worldwide 💙 Every £1 you donate becomes £3, thanks to the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation – matching donations up to £5million - and an anonymous donor – matching donations up to £500,000!
#MatchBallMission #SoccerAid
A powerful moment on Day 4 💙
Tony Bellew surprised Sam with a speedboat to help him cross the Mersey - an emotional lift right when he needed it most.
#MatchBallMission
Day 4’s throwing everything at Sam so far, but he’s still pushing through 💪
#MatchBallMission
Will you support Sam Thompson's mission for Soccer Aid for UNICEF?
Sam’s Match Ball Mission: The Route
DAY 4 - DETOUR UP THE LEFT WING: PORT VALE TO EVERTON FC
Still battling forwards with an injured calf and given the green light by the medical team, Sam is determined to transport the Soccer Aid for UNICEF match ball one way or another – and will attempt to get there on foot and by bike. Today Sam departs Port Vale and heads north-west, making a 'quick' detour to Liverpool before tomorrow’s grand finale in Manchester. He passes through the charming villages of Cheshire, up through Birkenhead and across the mighty Mersey. Finishing up at Goodison Park to tip his hat to Everton FC, he completes the penultimate day of his mission. One more to go!
DAY 5 - THE FINAL WHISTLE: EVERTON FC TO OLD TRAFFORD
This is it – the final and most crucial leg of Sam’s challenge. Today, he’s got just 10 miles of cycling to warm up, before switching to his final run, just north of Widnes. Everything he’s done this week leads to this moment – delivering the match ball and completing his mission for Soccer Aid and children around the world. He digs deep for one last marathon, powering though Warrington, before turning north-east through the Manchester suburbs with Old Trafford on the horizon. That’s the final whistle! Now let’s have a look at the results...
What is Sam’s Match Ball Mission?
Sam Thompson is on a mammoth mission for Soccer Aid for UNICEF. He’s been tasked with transporting the Soccer Aid match ball over 260 miles from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford in time for this year’s game. Every mile, on foot and by bike, Sam is hoping to raise as much money as possible to support UNICEF’s work for children worldwide. Sam will leap out of his comfort zone (and into his Lycra!) and take to the road in the ultimate test of endurance over five gruelling days of running and cycling from 2 to 6 June. He’ll need all the support he can get because, with no athletic experience to fall back on, he faces the toughest physical journey of his life to ensure the match ball is delivered ahead of kick-off.
Sam’s ultimate goal is to support Soccer Aid for UNICEF’s mission to help children worldwide grow up safe, healthy and able to play. From essential health services and basic nutrition to a vital education and safe spaces, UNICEF and partners provide the support children need when and where they need it. So, by supporting Sam to go the distance from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford, you’re supporting Soccer Aid for UNICEF to go the distance too, for children everywhere. You can play your part and make a donation.
On this page you’ll be able to follow Sam’s journey to find out if he can go the distance, and achieve his mission to support Soccer Aid for UNICEF with theirs.
Hoping to see Sam at Soccer Aid this year? Tickets are selling quickly, buy yours today!
