Sam Thompson was emotional as he set off on the first day of his Match Ball Mission challenge on Monday. The TV and radio favourite, 32, has been tasked with transporting the Soccer Aid for Unicef match ball more than 260 miles from last year’s venue at London’s Stamford Bridge to this year’s stadium at Manchester’s Old Trafford, over the course of five days. He is expected to run a marathon a day, as well as cycle, to ensure his important cargo is delivered on June 6 ahead of kick-off on Sunday, June 15. Along the way, Thompson will be visiting popular UK football stadiums including Goodison Park in Liverpool and Villa Park in Birmingham, in a bid to raise as much money as he can for Unicef. Speaking to The Standard at the starting line, the former I’m A Celebrity winner seemed in good spirits, but admitted he was “absolutely terrified”. “It’s so real now and that realness is just times by a thousand as we are at my boyhood football stadium,” the Chelsea-native explained. “There’s not running, there’s no turning back, this is literally it. I either do it or I don’t now. “I got no sleep, just stared at the ceiling for probably the longest time I’ve ever stared at the ceiling for my entire life and just thought about all of the worst things that could go wrong.” One thing is for sure, the Hits Radio presenter is not short of support, enjoying a group hug from family before he loaded the ball - which he has called “Bertie” - in a backpack he will wear throughout. His I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked co-star Joel Dommett, 39, was joining him for the first 20k, much to Thompson’s delight. A number of his other celebrity friends and family members are also set to surprise him along the route. Feeling the love, Thompson said: “[My sister] Louise is here, [brother-in-law] Ryan’s here, my nephew Leo’s here. It’s a bit emotional, he’s just this beautiful kid and he’s getting to see all of this and why we’re doing it. We’re incredibly lucky that we live in the UK and he’s the most beautiful spoiled boy and hope that one day he can look back on this and know why we’re doing it and for who we’re doing it - the kids all around the world who just don’t have this.” Previously, Thompson says he hasn’t run more than 5k and while he jokes he “might not make it”, he knows exactly how he intends to treat himself after he crosses the finishing line. “I’m going to treat myself to a little cry,” he said. “A nice hot shower, a lot of phone calls with loved ones and just a lie down!” You can get behind Thompson and donate to his Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid for Unicef now, by visiting https://www.socceraid.org.uk/challenge This year, thanks to the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, every donation made to Soccer Aid for Unicef will be doubled – up to £5 million.