Sam Thompson broke down in tears as he hit an incredible milestone during his gruelling 260-mile Soccer Aid challenge — raising over £1.16 million for UNICEF.
The Made In Chelsea star, 32, was visibly overwhelmed as he crossed the day-four finish line, having battled intense pain from a calf injury. With just one day to go, the emotional toll was clear — but so was his determination.
Celebrating the monumental achievement, Sam shouted with joy: “Yes! One milly baby!!! Come on!!! I’m so happy, thank you so much. I’m so grateful to literally everybody… They are all the heroes, the people who are putting their hands in their pockets.”
Despite his injury, Sam kept pushing, even joking his leg was “in absolute pieces.” He kicked off the day from Vale Park, Stoke-on-Trent, joined by close friend Josh ‘JP’ Patterson who surprised him and ran the first stretch alongside him.
“Today is a tough day. It’s wet, it’s cold, it’s windy. My leg is in bits, but we go again,” Sam told MailOnline. “The love and outpouring from people has been so immense and I’m so glad people are donating to UNICEF’s work for kids around the world. I’ve seen it firsthand and know the difference it’ll make.”
Sam’s challenge has inspired fellow celebrities to reach out — including Jamie Laing, who sent a heartfelt video message: “Your body is screaming to give up… but you just keep going.” Sam tearfully replied: “Seeing your face just then has literally just made my day.”
And in one of the most feel-good moments of the week, Pete Wicks surprised Sam mid-challenge with a hilarious callback to the now-iconic “You can!” moment from Zara McDermott during Made In Chelsea. Holding up a sign that read “You can do it… YOU CAAAN!”, Pete’s reenactment sent Sam into fits of laughter despite his exhaustion.
As Sam prepares to complete the final leg to Old Trafford on Friday, he remains focused on the reason behind it all — raising money and awareness for children in need. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he admitted. “But I will get there.”
