Run across Ireland raises thousands for children’s charity

Thousands of pounds have been raised for a South Warwickshire charity for a challenge across Ireland.

Twenty-one‑year‑old Samuel Attwell is attempting to run the length of Ireland in just 10 days for children’s charity MollyOllys.

Samuel, who will run almost 350 miles from Malin Head to Mizen Head this May, has already secured over £15,000 in early donations and sponsorship, giving his campaign a powerful headstart towards his £50,000 target for children’s charity Molly Ollys.

With fundraising momentum building, Samuel’s focus has now shifted firmly to the physical and logistical demands of one of Ireland’s most punishing endurance routes.

Samuel, from Redditch, is currently undertaking back‑to‑back long‑distance runs designed to replicate the strain of completing an ultramarathon every day for 10 consecutive days.

“Training is going well, but there’s no sugar‑coating it, it’s brutal,” said Samuel.

“Running miles day after day pushes you physically and mentally. But every tough session reminds me why I’m doing this and who it’s for.”

As well as physical training, a dedicated planning team is working behind the scenes on logistics, safety and community engagement along the route, which will take Samuel through towns and rural communities across Donegal, Derry, Leitrim, Longford, Offaly, Tipperary, Limerick, Cork and West Cork.

A training and route‑scouting visit to Ireland is planned in the coming days, where Samuel and his support team will assess road conditions, elevation, rest points and local access, while also meeting supporters and potential community partners along the way.

The visit is expected to play a key role in finalising daily stages and ensuring the challenge is delivered safely and visibly.

Samuel is running as an ambassador for Molly Ollys, a UK‑based children’s charity that supports children with life‑threatening and life‑limiting illnesses through the funding of wishes, therapeutic toys and emotional support for families.

While primarily operating across the UK, Molly Ollys is currently supporting children in Ireland on a small‑scale, not‑for‑profit basis, responding to need as requests for support are received.

This includes the supply of Olly the Brave books to Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin and the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, as well as a small number of individual wishes granted to children across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

If successful, Samuel’s £50,000 fundraising target could help deliver up to 100 wishes for seriously ill children and provide thousands of comfort items to families at their most difficult moments.

The challenge will begin on 18 May, with Samuel aiming to complete the route by 27th May, sharing daily updates, GPS tracking and behind‑the‑scenes footage throughout the journey.

With early donations already secured, organisers hope the   next phase, increased visibility across Ireland and the UK, will drive further public support.

Added Samuel: “This run isn’t just about endurance, it’s about bringing people together, especially the communities I’ll be running through, to help children who desperately need hope.”