Redditch Runner Samuel Attwell Prepares for 350-Mile Ireland Charity Run
Inspirational community support is pouring in for a south Warwickshire charity as 21-year-old Samuel Attwell gears up for the challenge of a lifetime. Thousands of pounds have been pledged to back his ambitious attempt to run the entire length of Ireland in just 10 days, a feat of endurance that will see him cover nearly 350 miles this May.
Training and Preparation for the Gruelling Challenge
With only two months to go until he sets off from Malin Head, preparation for the journey has now entered its toughest and most gruelling phase. Samuel is currently undertaking a "brutal" training regime to ensure he is physically and mentally ready to face one of Ireland’s most punishing endurance routes in support of children's charity Molly Ollys.
Samuel has already secured over £15,000 in early donations and sponsorship, giving his campaign a powerful head start towards his £50,000 target. With fundraising momentum building, his focus has shifted firmly to the physical and logistical demands of the route.
From Redditch, Samuel 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."
Logistics and Community Engagement Along the Route
As well as physical training, a dedicated planning team is working behind the scenes on logistics, safety, and community engagement along the route. This will take Samuel through towns and rural communities across:
- Donegal
- Derry
- Leitrim
- Longford
- Offaly
- Tipperary
- Limerick
- Cork
- 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. They will also meet supporters and potential community partners along the way. This visit is expected to play a key role in finalising daily stages and ensuring the challenge is delivered safely and visibly.
Supporting Molly Ollys Charity for Children
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.
Event Details and How to Support
The challenge will begin on May 18, with Samuel aiming to complete the route by May 27, sharing daily updates, GPS tracking, and behind-the-scenes footage throughout the journey. With early donations already secured, organisers hope increased visibility across Ireland and the UK will drive further public support.
"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," added Samuel.
Molly Olly’s Wishes was launched by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw in 2011, following the loss of their daughter Molly. Since its launch, the charity has supported over 21,500 children, granted more than 5,500 wishes, distributed over 23,000 Olly The Brave books, and raised in excess of £5.7 million. It works closely with the NHS, supporting projects within hospitals and the community.
