Sam Thompson emotional after 260-mile Match Ball Mission total hits £2 million

He took on the mammoth challenge for Soccer Aid for UNICEF

Author: Poppy Davenport and Laura NaylorPublished 15th Jun 2025
Last updated 16th Jun 2025

There were emotional scenes at Old Trafford last week, as our very own Sam Thompson completed his incredible Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid for UNICEF — raising more than £2 MILLION for the charity.

The Hits Radio presenter walked, rode and ran 260 miles from Stamford Bridge, in London, to Old Trafford, in Manchester, in time for this year’s game to deliver the match ball. For every mile, on foot and by bike, Sam has been raising money to support UNICEF's work for children worldwide.

As he reached the finish line on Friday 6th June, Sam dropped to his knees, full of emotion — after being greeted by his sister and Made in Chelsea star, Louise Thompson. And now the final total has been revealed.

Sam leapt out of his comfort zone (and into his lycra!) and took to the road in the ultimate test of endurance over five days of running and cycling. Ahead of the event, he told Fleur East, Will Best and James Barr on Hits Radio Breakfast that this is his "biggest physical challenge of his life'".

Sam has been joined on his journey by many famous faces, including best pal and TOWIE star Pete Wicks, I'm A Celeb campmate, Tony Bellew, and Celebrity Big Brother and Love Island contestant, Chris Hughes. He even had a special message from the Prime Minister, wishing him luck on the final stretch.

Keir Starmer said: "It's pretty inspiring. He's doing an absolutely fantastic job. All tribute to him. I think we'd all applaud what he's doing. It's really hard work - especially if you've got an injury. Soccer Aid is always good. Fully supportive of it."

How can I watch highlights of Sam Thompson's incredible match ball mission?

We've been with Sam every step (or cycle) of the way and you can see all the inspiring and emotional moments by checking out our Instagram @hitsradiouk.

Sam's challenge is also available to watch on ITVX, after a one-off TV special aired on Friday 13th June, which followed Sam on his mission.

All money raised will be going to Soccer Aid for UNICEF’s mission to help children grow up safe, healthy and able to play.

How much has he raised so far?

The current total stands at £2,075,564.

How to donate to Sam's Match Ball Mission:

You can donate either by text or online, both closing on Tuesday 15th July at midday.

To text to donate:

To give £30, £20 or £10 text:

• THIRTY to 70156 for a £30 donation

• TWENTY to 70156 for a £20 donation

• TEN to 70156 for a £10 donation

You must be eighteen or over, and please ask the bill payer’s permission. For terms and privacy information, please visit socceraid.org.uk/challengeterms

You can also donate online at socceraid.org.uk/challenge

For terms and conditions see here

One hundred percent of your donation will go to UNICEF and every donation will be doubled – up to five million pounds – thanks to the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation

Check out all the highlights from Sam Thompson's Match Ball Mission:

Sam's Match Ball Mission gets underway with TV presenter, Joel Dommett, by his side


Sam on his journey


Sam with Joel Dommett and Josie Gibson


Sam on foot


49 miles down - 211 to go


Day two gets underway


Sam powering through


Sam is joined by Love Island and Big Brother star, Chris Hughes


Reaching the next stop at Villa Park, in Birmingham


Getting some much-needed R&R


Day three gets underway


Sam takes a rest


Emotional scenes as Sam is joined by his best pal, Pete Wicks!


A moment's rest


Sam and Pete cycle towards the day three finish line


Almost at the day three finish line in Vale Park


Day four gets off to a drizzly start


Sam's back on two wheels as day four continues


Boxer Tony Bellew arrives to take Sam across the Mersey


An emotional reunion with his I'm a Celebrity campmate


Sam cycles towards the day four finish line at Goodison Park


The fifth and final day gets underway


The match ball is nearly at its destination!


Sam's pushing on, through the exhaustion


Sam crosses the finish line at Old Trafford


Delivering the Match Ball after 260 miles on the road!


Such emotional scenes as Sam completes day one and hears how much money he has raised so far...

Here's Sam crossing the finish line on day two!

Day three finish line!

Day four finish line!

Sam crosses the final finish line at Old Trafford...

Read more:

Everything you need to know about Sam Thompson

Everything you need to know about Sam Thompson on The Hits UK Chart

How to listen to Hits Radio:

Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online, ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio' and download the Rayo app.