Sam Thompson 'done in' as he crosses finish line at Old Trafford after 250-mile UNICEF challenge
The Manchester Evening News joined the star as he hobbled to his hotel after completing the final leg of his 250 mile run and bike ride despite a calf injury on day one
Sam Thompson has completed his 250 mile 'Match Ball Mission' for Soccer Aid after crossing the finish line at Old Trafford.
The TV star raised over £1.5 million for UNICEF during the mammoth feat which saw him run and peddle past football stadiums up and down the country before finishing at the home of Manchester United shortly after 11am on June 6.
The Made in Chelsea star persevered with the challenge despite a debilitating calf injury on the very first day. It was touch and go as Sam was almost signed off by medics to not continue, but he was determined to push on.
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Sam was visibly in pain as he spoke to the Manchester Evening News after hobbling from the finish line to his hotel.
"I'm done in, but elated," he said. "I couldn't be more elated. £1.5 million, it's just an incredible amount of money."
"I tore my calf on day one," he added, revealing what had got him through: "It's the power of friendship, I'm not joking!"
His journey saw Sam run and bike 250 miles over five back-to-back days. In that time famous faces turned out to support him including Orlando Bloom, Olivia Colman, and Robbie Williams among many others.
After starting the final day of the challenge at 5am, Sam passed through Huyton, Warrington, Sale, and Stretford. The star also crossed the famous cobbles at Coronation Street on his way to the final destination.
At Old Trafford, Sam was greeted by a crowd of family and fans who showed up to cheer him over the line.
"I always say the further north you go the nicer people are," he said. "It's a testament to how great the people of Manchester are to turn up in such numbers."
As for the plans for the rest of the day, the star simply said he plans to "ice everything", and take a well-deserved rest.
In total, the former Made in Chelsea star raised some £1,516,433.22 for UNICEF, which will go towards UNICEF's work to support children around the globe.
Sam urged people to help in whatever way they can.
"A pound goes such a long way," he told the M.E.N. "Even sharing what's going on with UNICEF, follow them on social media if you don't have the money at the moment, which is completely understandable."
Anyone wishing to donate still can by visiting socceraid.org.uk/challenge.
The final total of donations is set to be revealed at the Soccer Aid for UNICEF match on June 15.