Mar 18th, 2026
9 mins
Training intensifies as route planning and Ireland scouting visit begins
Thousands of pounds have already been pledged for a remarkable charity challenge that will see 21‑year‑old Samuel Attwell attempt to run the length of Ireland in just 10 days, and with two months to go, preparation has entered its toughest phase.
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 head start towards his £50,000 target for children’s charity Molly Ollys.
Samuel’s father, Oakland International Co-Founder Dean Attwell commented: “Samuel’s courage, determination, and compassion shine through in every step of this challenge. What he’s undertaking goes far beyond a test of endurance, it’s a show of solidarity with families facing the unimaginable, and a powerful message of hope for children and parents in crisis.
“Oakland International is incredibly proud to support him, and we encourage other businesses and individuals to rally behind Samuel and help make a truly meaningful difference.”
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.
“Training is going well, but it’s brutal”
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.”
Communities along the route in focus
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.
Follow Samuel’s Training Journey:
https://www.instagram.com/stories/samuel.attwell/
Running for children who need hope
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.
About Molly Ollys
Molly Olly’s Wishes (https://mollyolly.co.uk/) was launched by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw in 2011, following the loss of their daughter Molly.
The UK‑based charity supports children with life‑threatening and life‑limiting illnesses through the funding of wishes, therapeutic toys, books and emotional support. Since its launch, Molly Ollys has:
- Supported over 21,500 children
- Granted more than 5,500 wishes
- Distributed over 23,000 Olly The Brave books
- Raised in excess of £5.7 million
The charity works closely with the NHS, supporting projects within hospitals and the community. One flagship project includes the creation and refurbishment of Magnolia House at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, a safe, non‑clinical space for families and medical teams.
Molly Ollys also funded the first ever consultant in paediatric palliative medicine at Birmingham Children’s Hospital in 2018 and subsequently supported the funding of additional consultant roles in the region.
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.
Momentum building ahead of May start
The challenge will begin on 18th 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.”
How to support
Donations and updates can be found at:
www.justgiving.com/page/samrunsireland
Molly Ollys relies on the generosity of companies and individuals to continue its work and welcomes the opportunity to share more about its impact.
For further information, please contact Rachel Ollerenshaw on +44 (0) 7747 854914.
