Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson swung by Coventry as he journeyed across the UK in aid of UNICEF. He was spotted at The Open Arms on Daventry Road.
On Monday (June 2), Sam set off on a challenge to take the Soccer Aid for UNICEF match ball more than 260 miles from Stamford Bridge in London to Old Trafford in Manchester. He is raising funds for the leading charity which supports young people around the world.
Joined by friend Joel Dommett, his sister Louise Thompson and her fiancé Ryan Libbey, Sam waved his supporters goodbye as he left Stamford Bridge on the first leg of his journey across the UK. He started by running 26 miles towards Hemel Hempstead, where he switched to two wheels and cycled 23 miles further to Stadium MK in Milton Keynes.
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Speaking on Monday, Sam said: “I am absolutely terrified, but I know I just need to keep my head in the game and remember why I am doing this. It is all for UNICEF and to raise as much money as possible, so I am going to dig deep and get on with it and look forward to a hot shower at the end.”
Sister Louise said: “Sam is such a happy, entertaining person, I have never seen him do something that will require so much resilience and endurance. I am so proud of him, he has put so much work in, and it is all for an incredible cause and will help so many children.”
As Sam made his way across the UK, the Made in Chelsea star stopped off in Coventry on Tuesday (May 3). Manager of The Open Arms, Laura Warwick, greeted the 32-year-old and said he was 'absolutely knackered.'
Laura, 28, told CoventryLive: “Sam and his brother-in-law, Ryan Libby, both arrived as part of their rest time before setting off on the next leg of their journey. Sam seemed absolutely knackered, understandably, but still had such a positive attitude! Both he and his team were incredibly sweet and took the time to talk to people, which was lovely to see.”
Sam completed his 260-mile journey on Friday
Sam completed his 260-mile journey on Friday (Image: UNICEF)
As the rain poured, Sam embarked on the final leg of his journey at 5am this morning (June 6). He travelled through Huyton, Warrington, Sale, Stretford, and the Coronation Street cobbles before delivering the UNICEF match ball to Old Trafford at 11.15am.
Sam, who battled painful injuries during the five-day challenge for UNICEF, broke down in tears when he discovered that he had raised more than £1.5m. He said: “My legs have completely gone, but I feel good. To everyone who has donated, I have said it before, but I will say it a million times, you are so heroic.”
Donations via UNICEF. Watch Sam take on the 260-mile journey across the UK on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm on Friday, June 13.
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