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The incredible sum Sam Thompson has raised in Soccer Aid challenge for Unicef - and counting
@Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Sam Thompson completed his Soccer Aid challenge for Unicef today (Friday 6th June) when he reached the finish line in Manchester. The former Made In Chelsea star was tasked with transporting the Soccer Aid for Unicef match ball more than 260 miles from last year’s stadium to this year’s. His challenge kicked off on June 2nd and saw him run a marathon a day as well as cycling to ensure the ball is delivered by match day on Sunday 15th June to Old Trafford stadium. Sam recently broke down in tears when his best friend Pete Wicks met up with him to show his support during the challenge, as well as various other stars such as Hollywood's Orlando Bloom. On Friday, he crossed the finish line just before 11.30am and was greeted by his sister Louise Thompson who was crying as she pulled him in for a hug. During his challenge, Sam has sustained various injuries including a calf strain. He told Hits Radio Breakfast Show's team: "On the first day I did the first marathon and on the last 2k I felt like I'd been shot in the back of the leg and I've completely torn the calf muscle but it's fine I'm strapped up!" Once day two was complete, it was the rainy weather conditions that made it difficult, as he shared: "We were absolutely drenched, and my back was aching, but having Chris there kept me going". On Thursday night, it was revealed that he had made £1,169,922.42 and by the time he crossed the finish line on Friday morning the total is £1,516,433,22 and counting. It was announced on Wednesday that every donation will be tripled, thanks to Children’s Investment Fund Foundation matching donations up to £5 million and an anonymous donor matching up to £500,000. Sam will rest for a week before competing in the game himself alongside Wayne Rooney and Tyson Fury on Sunday 15th June for the England against the World XI match. Soccer Aid released a statement on Instagram following his penultimate day as they wrote: "Today was a rollercoaster of emotions for Sam - so we’re extra excited to share that Sam's challenge attempt has raised an outstanding £604,280.82 and counting! Thank you so much to everyone for your donations and support so far, you still have time to get involved at socceraid.org.uk/challenge". It was also announced last week that Sam Thompson’s Match Ball Mission, a documentary about his challenge will air at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX on Friday, June 13. After crossing the finish line Sam responded to a message he had received from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as he admitted: "I am totally broken - but so happy . The fact this challenge has grabbed everyone’s attention is just so incredible and I have just been blown away!" The final leg of his journey saw him start at Goodison Park in Liverpool to Old Trafford, calling in on the set of Coronation Street as he made it into Manchester.
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